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diff --git a/old/1377-h/1377-h.htm b/old/1377-h/1377-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1a09f36 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/1377-h/1377-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,15832 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + The Talisman, by Sir Walter Scott + </title> + <style type="text/css"> + <!-- + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + .indent5 { margin-left: 5%;} + .indent10 { margin-left: 10%;} + .indent15 { margin-left: 15%;} + .indent20 { margin-left: 20%;} + .indent30 { margin-left: 30%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 100%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + .side { float: left; font-size: 75%; width: 25%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; text-align: left; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + p.pfirst, p.noindent {text-indent: 0} + span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 1 } + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + --> +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Talisman, by Sir Walter Scott + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Talisman + +Author: Sir Walter Scott + +Release Date: November 8, 2009 [EBook #1377] +Last Updated: February 27, 2018 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE TALISMAN *** + + + + +Produced by An Anonomous Volunteer, and David Widger + + + + + + +</pre> + + <p> + <br /> + </p> + + +<p> + <br /> + </p> +<hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE TALISMAN + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Sir Walter Scott + </h2> +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0006m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0006m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0006.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <a href="#link2H_INTR"> INTRODUCTION TO THE TALISMAN. </a><br /><br /> + <a href="#link2H_APPE"> APPENDIX TO INTRODUCTION. </a><br /><br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0003"> TALES OF THE CRUSADERS. TALE II.—<b>THE + TALISMAN.</b> </a><br /><br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XXIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER XXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER XXV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER XXVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER XXVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER XXVIII. </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_INTR" id="link2H_INTR"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + INTRODUCTION TO THE TALISMAN. + </h2> + <p> + The “Betrothed” did not greatly please one or two friends, who thought + that it did not well correspond to the general title of “The Crusaders.” + They urged, therefore, that, without direct allusion to the manners of the + Eastern tribes, and to the romantic conflicts of the period, the title of + a “Tale of the Crusaders” would resemble the playbill, which is said to + have announced the tragedy of Hamlet, the character of the Prince of + Denmark being left out. On the other hand, I felt the difficulty of giving + a vivid picture of a part of the world with which I was almost totally + unacquainted, unless by early recollections of the Arabian Nights' + Entertainments; and not only did I labour under the incapacity of + ignorance—in which, as far as regards Eastern manners, I was as + thickly wrapped as an Egyptian in his fog—but my contemporaries + were, many of them, as much enlightened upon the subject as if they had + been inhabitants of the favoured land of Goshen. The love of travelling + had pervaded all ranks, and carried the subjects of Britain into all + quarters of the world. Greece, so attractive by its remains of art, by its + struggles for freedom against a Mohammedan tyrant, by its very name, where + every fountain had its classical legend—Palestine, endeared to the + imagination by yet more sacred remembrances—had been of late + surveyed by British eyes, and described by recent travellers. Had I, + therefore, attempted the difficult task of substituting manners of my own + invention, instead of the genuine costume of the East, almost every + traveller I met who had extended his route beyond what was anciently + called “The Grand Tour,” had acquired a right, by ocular inspection, to + chastise me for my presumption. Every member of the Travellers' Club who + could pretend to have thrown his shoe over Edom was, by having done so, + constituted my lawful critic and corrector. It occurred, therefore, that + where the author of Anastasius, as well as he of Hadji Baba, had described + the manners and vices of the Eastern nations, not only with fidelity, but + with the humour of Le Sage and the ludicrous power of Fielding himself, + one who was a perfect stranger to the subject must necessarily produce an + unfavourable contrast. The Poet Laureate also, in the charming tale of + “Thalaba,” had shown how extensive might be the researches of a person of + acquirements and talent, by dint of investigation alone, into the ancient + doctrines, history, and manners of the Eastern countries, in which we are + probably to look for the cradle of mankind; Moore, in his “Lalla Rookh,” + had successfully trod the same path; in which, too, Byron, joining ocular + experience to extensive reading, had written some of his most attractive + poems. In a word, the Eastern themes had been already so successfully + handled by those who were acknowledged to be masters of their craft, that + I was diffident of making the attempt. + </p> + <p> + These were powerful objections; nor did they lose force when they became + the subject of anxious reflection, although they did not finally prevail. + The arguments on the other side were, that though I had no hope of + rivalling the contemporaries whom I have mentioned, yet it occurred to me + as possible to acquit myself of the task I was engaged in without entering + into competition with them. + </p> + <p> + The period relating more immediately to the Crusades which I at last fixed + upon was that at which the warlike character of Richard I., wild and + generous, a pattern of chivalry, with all its extravagant virtues, and its + no less absurd errors, was opposed to that of Saladin, in which the + Christian and English monarch showed all the cruelty and violence of an + Eastern sultan, and Saladin, on the other hand, displayed the deep policy + and prudence of a European sovereign, whilst each contended which should + excel the other in the knightly qualities of bravery and generosity. This + singular contrast afforded, as the author conceived, materials for a work + of fiction possessing peculiar interest. One of the inferior characters + introduced was a supposed relation of Richard Coeur de Lion—a + violation of the truth of history which gave offence to Mr. Mills, the + author of the “History of Chivalry and the Crusades,” who was not, it may + be presumed, aware that romantic fiction naturally includes the power of + such invention, which is indeed one of the requisites of the art. + </p> + <p> + Prince David of Scotland, who was actually in the host, and was the hero + of some very romantic adventures on his way home, was also pressed into my + service, and constitutes one of my DRAMATIS PERSONAE. + </p> + <p> + It is true I had already brought upon the field him of the lion heart. But + it was in a more private capacity than he was here to be exhibited in the + Talisman—then as a disguised knight, now in the avowed character of + a conquering monarch; so that I doubted not a name so dear to Englishmen + as that of King Richard I. might contribute to their amusement for more + than once. + </p> + <p> + I had access to all which antiquity believed, whether of reality or fable, + on the subject of that magnificent warrior, who was the proudest boast of + Europe and their chivalry, and with whose dreadful name the Saracens, + according to a historian of their own country, were wont to rebuke their + startled horses. “Do you think,” said they, “that King Richard is on the + track, that you stray so wildly from it?” The most curious register of the + history of King Richard is an ancient romance, translated originally from + the Norman; and at first certainly having a pretence to be termed a work + of chivalry, but latterly becoming stuffed with the most astonishing and + monstrous fables. There is perhaps no metrical romance upon record where, + along with curious and genuine history, are mingled more absurd and + exaggerated incidents. We have placed in the Appendix to this Introduction + the passage of the romance in which Richard figures as an ogre, or literal + cannibal. + </p> + <p> + A principal incident in the story is that from which the title is derived. + Of all people who ever lived, the Persians were perhaps most remarkable + for their unshaken credulity in amulets, spells, periapts, and similar + charms, framed, it was said, under the influence of particular planets, + and bestowing high medical powers, as well as the means of advancing men's + fortunes in various manners. A story of this kind, relating to a Crusader + of eminence, is often told in the west of Scotland, and the relic alluded + to is still in existence, and even yet held in veneration. + </p> + <p> + Sir Simon Lockhart of Lee and Gartland made a considerable figure in the + reigns of Robert the Bruce and of his son David. He was one of the chief + of that band of Scottish chivalry who accompanied James, the Good Lord + Douglas, on his expedition to the Holy Land with the heart of King Robert + Bruce. Douglas, impatient to get at the Saracens, entered into war with + those of Spain, and was killed there. Lockhart proceeded to the Holy Land + with such Scottish knights as had escaped the fate of their leader and + assisted for some time in the wars against the Saracens. + </p> + <p> + The following adventure is said by tradition to have befallen him:— + </p> + <p> + He made prisoner in battle an Emir of considerable wealth and consequence. + The aged mother of the captive came to the Christian camp, to redeem her + son from his state of captivity. Lockhart is said to have fixed the price + at which his prisoner should ransom himself; and the lady, pulling out a + large embroidered purse, proceeded to tell down the ransom, like a mother + who pays little respect to gold in comparison of her son's liberty. In + this operation, a pebble inserted in a coin, some say of the Lower Empire, + fell out of the purse, and the Saracen matron testified so much haste to + recover it as gave the Scottish knight a high idea of its value, when + compared with gold or silver. “I will not consent,” he said, “to grant + your son's liberty, unless that amulet be added to his ransom.” The lady + not only consented to this, but explained to Sir Simon Lockhart the mode + in which the talisman was to be used, and the uses to which it might be + put. The water in which it was dipped operated as a styptic, as a + febrifuge, and possessed other properties as a medical talisman. + </p> + <p> + Sir Simon Lockhart, after much experience of the wonders which it wrought, + brought it to his own country, and left it to his heirs, by whom, and by + Clydesdale in general, it was, and is still, distinguished by the name of + the Lee-penny, from the name of his native seat of Lee. + </p> + <p> + The most remarkable part of its history, perhaps, was that it so + especially escaped condemnation when the Church of Scotland chose to + impeach many other cures which savoured of the miraculous, as occasioned + by sorcery, and censured the appeal to them, “excepting only that to the + amulet, called the Lee-penny, to which it had pleased God to annex certain + healing virtues which the Church did not presume to condemn.” It still, as + has been said, exists, and its powers are sometimes resorted to. Of late, + they have been chiefly restricted to the cure of persons bitten by mad + dogs; and as the illness in such cases frequently arises from imagination, + there can be no reason for doubting that water which has been poured on + the Lee-penny furnishes a congenial cure. + </p> + <p> + Such is the tradition concerning the talisman, which the author has taken + the liberty to vary in applying it to his own purposes. + </p> + <p> + Considerable liberties have also been taken with the truth of history, + both with respect to Conrade of Montserrat's life, as well as his death. + That Conrade, however, was reckoned the enemy of Richard is agreed both in + history and romance. The general opinion of the terms upon which they + stood may be guessed from the proposal of the Saracens that the Marquis of + Montserrat should be invested with certain parts of Syria, which they were + to yield to the Christians. Richard, according to the romance which bears + his name, “could no longer repress his fury. The Marquis he said, was a + traitor, who had robbed the Knights Hospitallers of sixty thousand pounds, + the present of his father Henry; that he was a renegade, whose treachery + had occasioned the loss of Acre; and he concluded by a solemn oath, that + he would cause him to be drawn to pieces by wild horses, if he should ever + venture to pollute the Christian camp by his presence. Philip attempted to + intercede in favour of the Marquis, and throwing down his glove, offered + to become a pledge for his fidelity to the Christians; but his offer was + rejected, and he was obliged to give way to Richard's impetuosity.”—HISTORY + OF CHIVALRY. + </p> + <p> + Conrade of Montserrat makes a considerable figure in those wars, and was + at length put to death by one of the followers of the Scheik, or Old Man + of the Mountain; nor did Richard remain free of the suspicion of having + instigated his death. + </p> + <p> + It may be said, in general, that most of the incidents introduced in the + following tale are fictitious, and that reality, where it exists, is only + retained in the characters of the piece. + </p> + <p> + ABBOTSFORD, 1st July, 1832 + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_APPE" id="link2H_APPE"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + APPENDIX TO INTRODUCTION. + </h2> + <h3> + While warring in the Holy Land, Richard was seized with an ague. + </h3> + <p> + The best leeches of the camp were unable to effect the cure of the King's + disease; but the prayers of the army were more successful. He became + convalescent, and the first symptom of his recovery was a violent longing + for pork. But pork was not likely to be plentiful in a country whose + inhabitants had an abhorrence for swine's flesh; and + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Though his men should be hanged, + They ne might, in that countrey, + For gold, ne silver, ne no money, + No pork find, take, ne get, + That King Richard might aught of eat. + An old knight with Richard biding, + When he heard of that tiding, + That the king's wants were swyche, + To the steward he spake privyliche— + “Our lord the king sore is sick, I wis, + After porck he alonged is; + Ye may none find to selle; + No man be hardy him so to telle! + If he did he might die. + Now behoves to done as I shall say, + Tho' he wete nought of that. + Take a Saracen, young and fat; + In haste let the thief be slain, + Opened, and his skin off flayn; + And sodden full hastily, + With powder and with spicery, + And with saffron of good colour. + When the king feels thereof savour, + Out of ague if he be went, + He shall have thereto good talent. + When he has a good taste, + And eaten well a good repast, + And supped of the BREWIS [Broth] a sup, + Slept after and swet a drop, + Through Goddis help and my counsail, + Soon he shall be fresh and hail.' + The sooth to say, at wordes few, + Slain and sodden was the heathen shrew. + Before the king it was forth brought: + Quod his men, 'Lord, we have pork sought; + Eates and sups of the brewis SOOTE,[Sweet] + Thorough grace of God it shall be your boot.' + Before King Richard carff a knight, + He ate faster than he carve might. + The king ate the flesh and GNEW [Gnawed] the bones, + And drank well after for the nonce. + And when he had eaten enough, + His folk hem turned away, and LOUGH.[Laughed] + He lay still and drew in his arm; + His chamberlain him wrapped warm. + He lay and slept, and swet a stound, + And became whole and sound. + King Richard clad him and arose, + And walked abouten in the close.” + </pre> + <p> + An attack of the Saracens was repelled by Richard in person, the + consequence of which is told in the following lines:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “When King Richard had rested a whyle, + A knight his arms 'gan unlace, + Him to comfort and solace. + Him was brought a sop in wine. + 'The head of that ilke swine, + That I of ate!' (the cook he bade,) + 'For feeble I am, and faint and mad. + Of mine evil now I am fear; + Serve me therewith at my soupere!' + Quod the cook, 'That head I ne have.' + Then said the king, 'So God me save, + But I see the head of that swine, + For sooth, thou shalt lesen thine!' + The cook saw none other might be; + He fet the head and let him see. + He fell on knees, and made a cry— + 'Lo, here the head! my Lord, mercy!'” + </pre> + <p> + The cook had certainly some reason to fear that his master would be struck + with horror at the recollection of the dreadful banquet to which he owed + his recovery; but his fears were soon dissipated. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “The swarte vis [Black face] when the king seeth, + His black beard and white teeth, + How his lippes grinned wide, + 'What devil is this?' the king cried, + And 'gan to laugh as he were wode. + 'What! is Saracen's flesh thus good? + That never erst I nought wist! + By God's death and his uprist, + Shall we never die for default, + While we may in any assault, + Slee Saracens, the flesh may take, + And seethen and roasten and do hem bake, + [And] Gnawen her flesh to the bones! + Now I have it proved once, + For hunger ere I be wo, + I and my folk shall eat mo!”' +</pre> + <p> + The besieged now offered to surrender, upon conditions of safety to the + inhabitants; while all the public treasure, military machines, and arms + were delivered to the victors, together with the further ransom of one + hundred thousand bezants. After this capitulation, the following + extraordinary scene took place. We shall give it in the words of the + humorous and amiable George Ellis, the collector and the editor of these + Romances:— + </p> + <p> + “Though the garrison had faithfully performed the other articles of their + contract, they were unable to restore the cross, which was not in their + possession, and were therefore treated by the Christians with great + cruelty. Daily reports of their sufferings were carried to Saladin; and as + many of them were persons of the highest distinction, that monarch, at the + solicitation of their friends, dispatched an embassy to King Richard with + magnificent presents, which he offered for the ransom of the captives. The + ambassadors were persons the most respectable from their age, their rank, + and their eloquence. They delivered their message in terms of the utmost + humility; and without arraigning the justice of the conqueror in his + severe treatment of their countrymen, only solicited a period to that + severity, laying at his feet the treasures with which they were entrusted, + and pledging themselves and their master for the payment of any further + sums which he might demand as the price of mercy. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “King Richard spake with wordes mild. + 'The gold to take, God me shield! + Among you partes [Divide] every charge. + I brought in shippes and in barge, + More gold and silver with me, + Than has your lord, and swilke three. + To his treasure have I no need! + But for my love I you bid, + To meat with me that ye dwell; + And afterward I shall you tell. + Thorough counsel I shall you answer, + What BODE [Message] ye shall to your lord bear. +</pre> + <p> + “The invitation was gratefully accepted. Richard, in the meantime, gave + secret orders to his marshal that he should repair to the prison, select a + certain number of the most distinguished captives, and, after carefully + noting their names on a roll of parchment, cause their heads to be + instantly struck off; that these heads should be delivered to the cook, + with instructions to clear away the hair, and, after boiling them in a + cauldron, to distribute them on several platters, one to each guest, + observing to fasten on the forehead of each the piece of parchment + expressing the name and family of the victim. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “'An hot head bring me beforn, + As I were well apayed withall, + Eat thereof fast I shall; + As it were a tender chick, + To see how the others will like.' +</pre> + <p> + “This horrible order was punctually executed. At noon the guests were + summoned to wash by the music of the waits. The king took his seat + attended by the principal officers of his court, at the high table, and + the rest of the company were marshalled at a long table below him. On the + cloth were placed portions of salt at the usual distances, but neither + bread, wine, nor water. The ambassadors, rather surprised at this + omission, but still free from apprehension, awaited in silence the arrival + of the dinner, which was announced by the sound of pipes, trumpets, and + tabours; and beheld, with horror and dismay, the unnatural banquet + introduced by the steward and his officers. Yet their sentiments of + disgust and abhorrence, and even their fears, were for a time suspended by + their curiosity. Their eyes were fixed on the king, who, without the + slightest change of countenance, swallowed the morsels as fast as they + could be supplied by the knight who carved them. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Every man then poked other; + They said, 'This is the devil's brother, + That slays our men, and thus hem eats!' +</pre> + <p> + “Their attention was then involuntarily fixed on the smoking heads before + them. They traced in the swollen and distorted features the resemblance of + a friend or near relation, and received from the fatal scroll which + accompanied each dish the sad assurance that this resemblance was not + imaginary. They sat in torpid silence, anticipating their own fate in that + of their countrymen; while their ferocious entertainer, with fury in his + eyes, but with courtesy on his lips, insulted them by frequent invitations + to merriment. At length this first course was removed, and its place + supplied by venison, cranes, and other dainties, accompanied by the + richest wines. The king then apologized to them for what had passed, which + he attributed to his ignorance of their taste; and assured them of his + religious respect for their characters as ambassadors, and of his + readiness to grant them a safe-conduct for their return. This boon was all + that they now wished to claim; and + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “King Richard spake to an old man, + 'Wendes home to your Soudan! + His melancholy that ye abate; + And sayes that ye came too late. + Too slowly was your time y-guessed; + Ere ye came, the flesh was dressed, + That men shoulden serve with me, + Thus at noon, and my meynie. + Say him, it shall him nought avail, + Though he for-bar us our vitail, + Bread, wine, fish, flesh, salmon, and conger; + Of us none shall die with hunger, + While we may wenden to fight, + And slay the Saracens downright, + Wash the flesh, and roast the head. + With 0 [One] Saracen I may well feed + Well a nine or a ten + Of my good Christian men. + King Richard shall warrant, + There is no flesh so nourissant + Unto an English man, + Partridge, plover, heron, ne swan, + Cow ne ox, sheep ne swine, + As the head of a Sarazyn. + There he is fat, and thereto tender, + And my men be lean and slender. + While any Saracen quick be, + Livand now in this Syrie, + For meat will we nothing care. + Abouten fast we shall rare, + And every day we shall eat + All as many as we may get. + To England will we nought gon, + Till they be eaten every one.'” + </pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ELLIS'S SPECIMENS OF EARLY ENGLISH METRICEL ROMANCES. +</pre> + <p> + The reader may be curious to know owing to what circumstances so + extraordinary an invention as that which imputed cannibalism to the King + of England should have found its way into his history. Mr. James, to whom + we owe so much that is curious, seems to have traced the origin of this + extraordinary rumour. + </p> + <p> + “With the army of the cross also was a multitude of men,” the same author + declares, “who made it a profession to be without money. They walked + barefoot, carried no arms, and even preceded the beasts of burden in their + march, living upon roots and herbs, and presenting a spectacle both + disgusting and pitiable. + </p> + <p> + “A Norman, who, according to all accounts, was of noble birth, but who, + having lost his horse, continued to follow as a foot soldier, took the + strange resolution of putting himself at the head of this race of + vagabonds, who willingly received him as their king. Amongst the Saracens + these men became well known under the name of THAFURS (which Guibert + translates TRUDENTES), and were beheld with great horror from the general + persuasion that they fed on the dead bodies of their enemies; a report + which was occasionally justified, and which the king of the Thafurs took + care to encourage. This respectable monarch was frequently in the habit of + stopping his followers, one by one, in a narrow defile, and of causing + them to be searched carefully, lest the possession of the least sum of + money should render them unworthy of the name of his subjects. If even two + sous were found upon any one, he was instantly expelled the society of his + tribe, the king bidding him contemptuously buy arms and fight. + </p> + <p> + “This troop, so far from being cumbersome to the army, was infinitely + serviceable, carrying burdens, bringing in forage, provisions, and + tribute; working the machines in the sieges; and, above all, spreading + consternation among the Turks, who feared death from the lances of the + knights less than that further consummation they heard of under the teeth + of the Thafurs.” [James's “History of Chivalry.”] + </p> + <p> + It is easy to conceive that an ignorant minstrel, finding the taste and + ferocity of the Thafurs commemorated in the historical accounts of the + Holy Wars, has ascribed their practices and propensities to the Monarch of + England, whose ferocity was considered as an object of exaggeration as + legitimate as his valour. + </p> + <p> + ABBOTSFORD, 1st July, 1832. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + TALES OF THE CRUSADERS. TALE II.—THE TALISMAN. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + They, too, retired + To the wilderness, but 'twas with arms. + PARADISE REGAINED. +</pre> + <p> + The burning sun of Syria had not yet attained its highest point in the + horizon, when a knight of the Red Cross, who had left his distant northern + home and joined the host of the Crusaders in Palestine, was pacing slowly + along the sandy deserts which lie in the vicinity of the Dead Sea, or, as + it is called, the Lake Asphaltites, where the waves of the Jordan pour + themselves into an inland sea, from which there is no discharge of waters. + </p> + <p> + The warlike pilgrim had toiled among cliffs and precipices during the + earlier part of the morning. More lately, issuing from those rocky and + dangerous defiles, he had entered upon that great plain, where the + accursed cities provoked, in ancient days, the direct and dreadful + vengeance of the Omnipotent. + </p> + <p> + The toil, the thirst, the dangers of the way, were forgotten, as the + traveller recalled the fearful catastrophe which had converted into an + arid and dismal wilderness the fair and fertile valley of Siddim, once + well watered, even as the Garden of the Lord, now a parched and blighted + waste, condemned to eternal sterility. + </p> + <p> + Crossing himself, as he viewed the dark mass of rolling waters, in colour + as in duality unlike those of any other lake, the traveller shuddered as + he remembered that beneath these sluggish waves lay the once proud cities + of the plain, whose grave was dug by the thunder of the heavens, or the + eruption of subterraneous fire, and whose remains were hid, even by that + sea which holds no living fish in its bosom, bears no skiff on its + surface, and, as if its own dreadful bed were the only fit receptacle for + its sullen waters, sends not, like other lakes, a tribute to the ocean. + The whole land around, as in the days of Moses, was “brimstone and salt; + it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth thereon.” The land as + well as the lake might be termed dead, as producing nothing having + resemblance to vegetation, and even the very air was entirely devoid of + its ordinary winged inhabitants, deterred probably by the odour of bitumen + and sulphur which the burning sun exhaled from the waters of the lake in + steaming clouds, frequently assuming the appearance of waterspouts. Masses + of the slimy and sulphureous substance called naphtha, which floated idly + on the sluggish and sullen waves, supplied those rolling clouds with new + vapours, and afforded awful testimony to the truth of the Mosaic history. + </p> + <p> + Upon this scene of desolation the sun shone with almost intolerable + splendour, and all living nature seemed to have hidden itself from the + rays, excepting the solitary figure which moved through the flitting sand + at a foot's pace, and appeared the sole breathing thing on the wide + surface of the plain. The dress of the rider and the accoutrements of his + horse were peculiarly unfit for the traveller in such a country. A coat of + linked mail, with long sleeves, plated gauntlets, and a steel breastplate, + had not been esteemed a sufficient weight of armour; there were also his + triangular shield suspended round his neck, and his barred helmet of + steel, over which he had a hood and collar of mail, which was drawn around + the warrior's shoulders and throat, and filled up the vacancy between the + hauberk and the headpiece. His lower limbs were sheathed, like his body, + in flexible mail, securing the legs and thighs, while the feet rested in + plated shoes, which corresponded with the gauntlets. A long, broad, + straight-shaped, double-edged falchion, with a handle formed like a cross, + corresponded with a stout poniard on the other side. The knight also bore, + secured to his saddle, with one end resting on his stirrup, the long + steel-headed lance, his own proper weapon, which, as he rode, projected + backwards, and displayed its little pennoncelle, to dally with the faint + breeze, or drop in the dead calm. To this cumbrous equipment must be added + a surcoat of embroidered cloth, much frayed and worn, which was thus far + useful that it excluded the burning rays of the sun from the armour, which + they would otherwise have rendered intolerable to the wearer. The surcoat + bore, in several places, the arms of the owner, although much defaced. + These seemed to be a couchant leopard, with the motto, “I sleep; wake me + not.” An outline of the same device might be traced on his shield, though + many a blow had almost effaced the painting. The flat top of his cumbrous + cylindrical helmet was unadorned with any crest. In retaining their own + unwieldy defensive armour, the Northern Crusaders seemed to set at + defiance the nature of the climate and country to which they had come to + war. + </p> + <p> + The accoutrements of the horse were scarcely less massive and unwieldy + than those of the rider. The animal had a heavy saddle plated with steel, + uniting in front with a species of breastplate, and behind with defensive + armour made to cover the loins. Then there was a steel axe, or hammer, + called a mace-of-arms, and which hung to the saddle-bow. The reins were + secured by chain-work, and the front-stall of the bridle was a steel + plate, with apertures for the eyes and nostrils, having in the midst a + short, sharp pike, projecting from the forehead of the horse like the horn + of the fabulous unicorn. + </p> + <p> + But habit had made the endurance of this load of panoply a second nature, + both to the knight and his gallant charger. Numbers, indeed, of the + Western warriors who hurried to Palestine died ere they became inured to + the burning climate; but there were others to whom that climate became + innocent and even friendly, and among this fortunate number was the + solitary horseman who now traversed the border of the Dead Sea. + </p> + <p> + Nature, which cast his limbs in a mould of uncommon strength, fitted to + wear his linked hauberk with as much ease as if the meshes had been formed + of cobwebs, had endowed him with a constitution as strong as his limbs, + and which bade defiance to almost all changes of climate, as well as to + fatigue and privations of every kind. His disposition seemed, in some + degree, to partake of the qualities of his bodily frame; and as the one + possessed great strength and endurance, united with the power of violent + exertion, the other, under a calm and undisturbed semblance, had much of + the fiery and enthusiastic love of glory which constituted the principal + attribute of the renowned Norman line, and had rendered them sovereigns in + every corner of Europe where they had drawn their adventurous swords. + </p> + <p> + It was not, however, to all the race that fortune proposed such tempting + rewards; and those obtained by the solitary knight during two years' + campaign in Palestine had been only temporal fame, and, as he was taught + to believe, spiritual privileges. Meantime, his slender stock of money had + melted away, the rather that he did not pursue any of the ordinary modes + by which the followers of the Crusade condescended to recruit their + diminished resources at the expense of the people of Palestine—he + exacted no gifts from the wretched natives for sparing their possessions + when engaged in warfare with the Saracens, and he had not availed himself + of any opportunity of enriching himself by the ransom of prisoners of + consequence. The small train which had followed him from his native + country had been gradually diminished, as the means of maintaining them + disappeared, and his only remaining squire was at present on a sick-bed, + and unable to attend his master, who travelled, as we have seen, singly + and alone. This was of little consequence to the Crusader, who was + accustomed to consider his good sword as his safest escort, and devout + thoughts as his best companion. + </p> + <p> + Nature had, however, her demands for refreshment and repose even on the + iron frame and patient disposition of the Knight of the Sleeping Leopard; + and at noon, when the Dead Sea lay at some distance on his right, he + joyfully hailed the sight of two or three palm-trees, which arose beside + the well which was assigned for his mid-day station. His good horse, too, + which had plodded forward with the steady endurance of his master, now + lifted his head, expanded his nostrils, and quickened his pace, as if he + snuffed afar off the living waters which marked the place of repose and + refreshment. But labour and danger were doomed to intervene ere the horse + or horseman reached the desired spot. + </p> + <p> + As the Knight of the Couchant Leopard continued to fix his eyes + attentively on the yet distant cluster of palm-trees, it seemed to him as + if some object was moving among them. The distant form separated itself + from the trees, which partly hid its motions, and advanced towards the + knight with a speed which soon showed a mounted horseman, whom his turban, + long spear, and green caftan floating in the wind, on his nearer approach + showed to be a Saracen cavalier. “In the desert,” saith an Eastern + proverb, “no man meets a friend.” The Crusader was totally indifferent + whether the infidel, who now approached on his gallant barb as if borne on + the wings of an eagle, came as friend or foe—perhaps, as a vowed + champion of the Cross, he might rather have preferred the latter. He + disengaged his lance from his saddle, seized it with the right hand, + placed it in rest with its point half elevated, gathered up the reins in + the left, waked his horse's mettle with the spur, and prepared to + encounter the stranger with the calm self-confidence belonging to the + victor in many contests. + </p> + <p> + The Saracen came on at the speedy gallop of an Arab horseman, managing his + steed more by his limbs and the inflection of his body than by any use of + the reins, which hung loose in his left hand; so that he was enabled to + wield the light, round buckler of the skin of the rhinoceros, ornamented + with silver loops, which he wore on his arm, swinging it as if he meant to + oppose its slender circle to the formidable thrust of the Western lance. + His own long spear was not couched or levelled like that of his + antagonist, but grasped by the middle with his right hand, and brandished + at arm's-length above his head. As the cavalier approached his enemy at + full career, he seemed to expect that the Knight of the Leopard should put + his horse to the gallop to encounter him. But the Christian knight, well + acquainted with the customs of Eastern warriors, did not mean to exhaust + his good horse by any unnecessary exertion; and, on the contrary, made a + dead halt, confident that if the enemy advanced to the actual shock, his + own weight, and that of his powerful charger, would give him sufficient + advantage, without the additional momentum of rapid motion. Equally + sensible and apprehensive of such a probable result, the Saracen cavalier, + when he had approached towards the Christian within twice the length of + his lance, wheeled his steed to the left with inimitable dexterity, and + rode twice around his antagonist, who, turning without quitting his + ground, and presenting his front constantly to his enemy, frustrated his + attempts to attack him on an unguarded point; so that the Saracen, + wheeling his horse, was fain to retreat to the distance of a hundred + yards. A second time, like a hawk attacking a heron, the heathen renewed + the charge, and a second time was fain to retreat without coming to a + close struggle. A third time he approached in the same manner, when the + Christian knight, desirous to terminate this illusory warfare, in which he + might at length have been worn out by the activity of his foeman, suddenly + seized the mace which hung at his saddle-bow, and, with a strong hand and + unerring aim, hurled it against the head of the Emir, for such and not + less his enemy appeared. The Saracen was just aware of the formidable + missile in time to interpose his light buckler betwixt the mace and his + head; but the violence of the blow forced the buckler down on his turban, + and though that defence also contributed to deaden its violence, the + Saracen was beaten from his horse. Ere the Christian could avail himself + of this mishap, his nimble foeman sprung from the ground, and, calling on + his steed, which instantly returned to his side, he leaped into his seat + without touching the stirrup, and regained all the advantage of which the + Knight of the Leopard hoped to deprive him. But the latter had in the + meanwhile recovered his mace, and the Eastern cavalier, who remembered the + strength and dexterity with which his antagonist had aimed it, seemed to + keep cautiously out of reach of that weapon of which he had so lately felt + the force, while he showed his purpose of waging a distant warfare with + missile weapons of his own. Planting his long spear in the sand at a + distance from the scene of combat, he strung, with great address, a short + bow, which he carried at his back; and putting his horse to the gallop, + once more described two or three circles of a wider extent than formerly, + in the course of which he discharged six arrows at the Christian with such + unerring skill that the goodness of his harness alone saved him from being + wounded in as many places. The seventh shaft apparently found a less + perfect part of the armour, and the Christian dropped heavily from his + horse. But what was the surprise of the Saracen, when, dismounting to + examine the condition of his prostrate enemy, he found himself suddenly + within the grasp of the European, who had had recourse to this artifice to + bring his enemy within his reach! Even in this deadly grapple the Saracen + was saved by his agility and presence of mind. He unloosed the sword-belt, + in which the Knight of the Leopard had fixed his hold, and, thus eluding + his fatal grasp, mounted his horse, which seemed to watch his motions with + the intelligence of a human being, and again rode off. But in the last + encounter the Saracen had lost his sword and his quiver of arrows, both of + which were attached to the girdle which he was obliged to abandon. He had + also lost his turban in the struggle. + </p> + <p> + These disadvantages seemed to incline the Moslem to a truce. He approached + the Christian with his right hand extended, but no longer in a menacing + attitude. + </p> + <p> + “There is truce betwixt our nations,” he said, in the lingua franca + commonly used for the purpose of communication with the Crusaders; + “wherefore should there be war betwixt thee and me? Let there be peace + betwixt us.” + </p> + <p> + “I am well contented,” answered he of the Couchant Leopard; “but what + security dost thou offer that thou wilt observe the truce?” + </p> + <p> + “The word of a follower of the Prophet was never broken,” answered the + Emir. “It is thou, brave Nazarene, from whom I should demand security, did + I not know that treason seldom dwells with courage.” + </p> + <p> + The Crusader felt that the confidence of the Moslem made him ashamed of + his own doubts. + </p> + <p> + “By the cross of my sword,” he said, laying his hand on the weapon as he + spoke, “I will be true companion to thee, Saracen, while our fortune wills + that we remain in company together.” + </p> + <p> + “By Mohammed, Prophet of God, and by Allah, God of the Prophet,” replied + his late foeman, “there is not treachery in my heart towards thee. And now + wend we to yonder fountain, for the hour of rest is at hand, and the + stream had hardly touched my lip when I was called to battle by thy + approach.” + </p> + <p> + The Knight of the Couchant Leopard yielded a ready and courteous assent; + and the late foes, without an angry look or gesture of doubt, rode side by + side to the little cluster of palm-trees. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> + <p> + Times of danger have always, and in a peculiar degree, their seasons of + good-will and security; and this was particularly so in the ancient feudal + ages, in which, as the manners of the period had assigned war to be the + chief and most worthy occupation of mankind, the intervals of peace, or + rather of truce, were highly relished by those warriors to whom they were + seldom granted, and endeared by the very circumstances which rendered them + transitory. It is not worth while preserving any permanent enmity against + a foe whom a champion has fought with to-day, and may again stand in + bloody opposition to on the next morning. The time and situation afforded + so much room for the ebullition of violent passions, that men, unless when + peculiarly opposed to each other, or provoked by the recollection of + private and individual wrongs, cheerfully enjoyed in each other's society + the brief intervals of pacific intercourse which a warlike life admitted. + </p> + <p> + The distinction of religions, nay, the fanatical zeal which animated the + followers of the Cross and of the Crescent against each other, was much + softened by a feeling so natural to generous combatants, and especially + cherished by the spirit of chivalry. This last strong impulse had extended + itself gradually from the Christians to their mortal enemies the Saracens, + both of Spain and of Palestine. The latter were, indeed, no longer the + fanatical savages who had burst from the centre of Arabian deserts, with + the sabre in one hand and the Koran in the other, to inflict death or the + faith of Mohammed, or, at the best, slavery and tribute, upon all who + dared to oppose the belief of the prophet of Mecca. These alternatives + indeed had been offered to the unwarlike Greeks and Syrians; but in + contending with the Western Christians, animated by a zeal as fiery as + their own, and possessed of as unconquerable courage, address, and success + in arms, the Saracens gradually caught a part of their manners, and + especially of those chivalrous observances which were so well calculated + to charm the minds of a proud and conquering people. They had their + tournaments and games of chivalry; they had even their knights, or some + rank analogous; and above all, the Saracens observed their plighted faith + with an accuracy which might sometimes put to shame those who owned a + better religion. Their truces, whether national or betwixt individuals, + were faithfully observed; and thus it was that war, in itself perhaps the + greatest of evils, yet gave occasion for display of good faith, + generosity, clemency, and even kindly affections, which less frequently + occur in more tranquil periods, where the passions of men, experiencing + wrongs or entertaining quarrels which cannot be brought to instant + decision, are apt to smoulder for a length of time in the bosoms of those + who are so unhappy as to be their prey. + </p> + <p> + It was under the influence of these milder feelings which soften the + horrors of warfare that the Christian and Saracen, who had so lately done + their best for each other's mutual destruction, rode at a slow pace + towards the fountain of palm-trees to which the Knight of the Couchant + Leopard had been tending, when interrupted in mid-passage by his fleet and + dangerous adversary. Each was wrapt for some time in his own reflections, + and took breath after an encounter which had threatened to be fatal to one + or both; and their good horses seemed no less to enjoy the interval of + repose. + </p> + <p> + That of the Saracen, however, though he had been forced into much the more + violent and extended sphere of motion, appeared to have suffered less from + fatigue than the charger of the European knight. The sweat hung still + clammy on the limbs of the latter, when those of the noble Arab were + completely dried by the interval of tranquil exercise, all saving the + foam-flakes which were still visible on his bridle and housings. The loose + soil on which he trod so much augmented the distress of the Christian's + horse, heavily loaded by his own armour and the weight of his rider, that + the latter jumped from his saddle, and led his charger along the deep dust + of the loamy soil, which was burnt in the sun into a substance more + impalpable than the finest sand, and thus gave the faithful horse + refreshment at the expense of his own additional toil; for, iron-sheathed + as he was, he sunk over the mailed shoes at every step which he placed on + a surface so light and unresisting. + </p> + <p> + “You are right,” said the Saracen—and it was the first word that + either had spoken since their truce was concluded; “your strong horse + deserves your care. But what do you in the desert with an animal which + sinks over the fetlock at every step as if he would plant each foot deep + as the root of a date-tree?” + </p> + <p> + “Thou speakest rightly, Saracen,” said the Christian knight, not delighted + at the tone with which the infidel criticized his favourite steed—“rightly, + according to thy knowledge and observation. But my good horse hath ere now + borne me, in mine own land, over as wide a lake as thou seest yonder + spread out behind us, yet not wet one hair above his hoof.” + </p> + <p> + The Saracen looked at him with as much surprise as his manners permitted + him to testify, which was only expressed by a slight approach to a + disdainful smile, that hardly curled perceptibly the broad, thick + moustache which enveloped his upper lip. + </p> + <p> + “It is justly spoken,” he said, instantly composing himself to his usual + serene gravity; “List to a Frank, and hear a fable.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou art not courteous, misbeliever,” replied the Crusader, “to doubt the + word of a dubbed knight; and were it not that thou speakest in ignorance, + and not in malice, our truce had its ending ere it is well begun. Thinkest + thou I tell thee an untruth when I say that I, one of five hundred + horsemen, armed in complete mail, have ridden—ay, and ridden for + miles, upon water as solid as the crystal, and ten times less brittle?” + </p> + <p> + “What wouldst thou tell me?” answered the Moslem. “Yonder inland sea thou + dost point at is peculiar in this, that, by the especial curse of God, it + suffereth nothing to sink in its waves, but wafts them away, and casts + them on its margin; but neither the Dead Sea, nor any of the seven oceans + which environ the earth, will endure on their surface the pressure of a + horse's foot, more than the Red Sea endured to sustain the advance of + Pharaoh and his host.” + </p> + <p> + “You speak truth after your knowledge, Saracen,” said the Christian + knight; “and yet, trust me, I fable not, according to mine. Heat, in this + climate, converts the soil into something almost as unstable as water; and + in my land cold often converts the water itself into a substance as hard + as rock. Let us speak of this no longer, for the thoughts of the calm, + clear, blue refulgence of a winter's lake, glimmering to stars and + moonbeam, aggravate the horrors of this fiery desert, where, methinks, the + very air which we breathe is like the vapour of a fiery furnace seven + times heated.” + </p> + <p> + The Saracen looked on him with some attention, as if to discover in what + sense he was to understand words which, to him, must have appeared either + to contain something of mystery or of imposition. At length he seemed + determined in what manner to receive the language of his new companion. + </p> + <p> + “You are,” he said, “of a nation that loves to laugh, and you make sport + with yourselves, and with others, by telling what is impossible, and + reporting what never chanced. Thou art one of the knights of France, who + hold it for glee and pastime to GAB, as they term it, of exploits that are + beyond human power. [Gaber. This French word signified a sort of sport + much used among the French chivalry, which consisted in vying with each + other in making the most romantic gasconades. The verb and the meaning are + retained in Scottish.] I were wrong to challenge, for the time, the + privilege of thy speech, since boasting is more natural to thee than + truth.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not of their land, neither of their fashion,” said the Knight, + “which is, as thou well sayest, to GAB of that which they dare not + undertake—or, undertaking, cannot perfect. But in this I have + imitated their folly, brave Saracen, that in talking to thee of what thou + canst not comprehend, I have, even in speaking most simple truth, fully + incurred the character of a braggart in thy eyes; so, I pray you, let my + words pass.” + </p> + <p> + They had now arrived at the knot of palm-trees and the fountain which + welled out from beneath their shade in sparkling profusion. + </p> + <p> + We have spoken of a moment of truce in the midst of war; and this, a spot + of beauty in the midst of a sterile desert, was scarce less dear to the + imagination. It was a scene which, perhaps, would elsewhere have deserved + little notice; but as the single speck, in a boundless horizon, which + promised the refreshment of shade and living water, these blessings, held + cheap where they are common, rendered the fountain and its neighbourhood a + little paradise. Some generous or charitable hand, ere yet the evil days + of Palestine began, had walled in and arched over the fountain, to + preserve it from being absorbed in the earth, or choked by the flitting + clouds of dust with which the least breath of wind covered the desert. The + arch was now broken, and partly ruinous; but it still so far projected + over and covered in the fountain that it excluded the sun in a great + measure from its waters, which, hardly touched by a straggling beam, while + all around was blazing, lay in a steady repose, alike delightful to the + eye and the imagination. Stealing from under the arch, they were first + received in a marble basin, much defaced indeed, but still cheering the + eye, by showing that the place was anciently considered as a station, that + the hand of man had been there and that man's accommodation had been in + some measure attended to. The thirsty and weary traveller was reminded by + these signs that others had suffered similar difficulties, reposed in the + same spot, and, doubtless, found their way in safety to a more fertile + country. Again, the scarce visible current which escaped from the basin + served to nourish the few trees which surrounded the fountain, and where + it sunk into the ground and disappeared, its refreshing presence was + acknowledged by a carpet of velvet verdure. + </p> + <p> + In this delightful spot the two warriors halted, and each, after his own + fashion, proceeded to relieve his horse from saddle, bit, and rein, and + permitted the animals to drink at the basin, ere they refreshed themselves + from the fountain head, which arose under the vault. They then suffered + the steeds to go loose, confident that their interest, as well as their + domesticated habits, would prevent their straying from the pure water and + fresh grass. + </p> + <p> + Christian and Saracen next sat down together on the turf, and produced + each the small allowance of store which they carried for their own + refreshment. Yet, ere they severally proceeded to their scanty meal, they + eyed each other with that curiosity which the close and doubtful conflict + in which they had been so lately engaged was calculated to inspire. Each + was desirous to measure the strength, and form some estimate of the + character, of an adversary so formidable; and each was compelled to + acknowledge that, had he fallen in the conflict, it had been by a noble + hand. + </p> + <p> + The champions formed a striking contrast to each other in person and + features, and might have formed no inaccurate representatives of their + different nations. The Frank seemed a powerful man, built after the + ancient Gothic cast of form, with light brown hair, which, on the removal + of his helmet, was seen to curl thick and profusely over his head. His + features had acquired, from the hot climate, a hue much darker than those + parts of his neck which were less frequently exposed to view, or than was + warranted by his full and well-opened blue eye, the colour of his hair, + and of the moustaches which thickly shaded his upper lip, while his chin + was carefully divested of beard, after the Norman fashion. His nose was + Grecian and well formed; his mouth rather large in proportion, but filled + with well-set, strong, and beautifully white teeth; his head small, and + set upon the neck with much grace. His age could not exceed thirty, but if + the effects of toil and climate were allowed for, might be three or four + years under that period. His form was tall, powerful, and athletic, like + that of a man whose strength might, in later life, become unwieldy, but + which was hitherto united with lightness and activity. His hands, when he + withdrew the mailed gloves, were long, fair, and well-proportioned; the + wrist-bones peculiarly large and strong; and the arms remarkably + well-shaped and brawny. A military hardihood and careless frankness of + expression characterized his language and his motions; and his voice had + the tone of one more accustomed to command than to obey, and who was in + the habit of expressing his sentiments aloud and boldly, whenever he was + called upon to announce them. + </p> + <p> + The Saracen Emir formed a marked and striking contrast with the Western + Crusader. His stature was indeed above the middle size, but he was at + least three inches shorter than the European, whose size approached the + gigantic. His slender limbs and long, spare hands and arms, though well + proportioned to his person, and suited to the style of his countenance, + did not at first aspect promise the display of vigour and elasticity which + the Emir had lately exhibited. But on looking more closely, his limbs, + where exposed to view, seemed divested of all that was fleshy or + cumbersome; so that nothing being left but bone, brawn, and sinew, it was + a frame fitted for exertion and fatigue, far beyond that of a bulky + champion, whose strength and size are counterbalanced by weight, and who + is exhausted by his own exertions. The countenance of the Saracen + naturally bore a general national resemblance to the Eastern tribe from + whom he descended, and was as unlike as possible to the exaggerated terms + in which the minstrels of the day were wont to represent the infidel + champions, and the fabulous description which a sister art still presents + as the Saracen's Head upon signposts. His features were small, + well-formed, and delicate, though deeply embrowned by the Eastern sun, and + terminated by a flowing and curled black beard, which seemed trimmed with + peculiar care. The nose was straight and regular, the eyes keen, deep-set, + black, and glowing, and his teeth equalled in beauty the ivory of his + deserts. The person and proportions of the Saracen, in short, stretched on + the turf near to his powerful antagonist, might have been compared to his + sheeny and crescent-formed sabre, with its narrow and light but bright and + keen Damascus blade, contrasted with the long and ponderous Gothic + war-sword which was flung unbuckled on the same sod. The Emir was in the + very flower of his age, and might perhaps have been termed eminently + beautiful, but for the narrowness of his forehead and something of too + much thinness and sharpness of feature, or at least what might have seemed + such in a European estimate of beauty. + </p> + <p> + The manners of the Eastern warrior were grave, graceful, and decorous; + indicating, however, in some particulars, the habitual restraint which men + of warm and choleric tempers often set as a guard upon their native + impetuosity of disposition, and at the same time a sense of his own + dignity, which seemed to impose a certain formality of behaviour in him + who entertained it. + </p> + <p> + This haughty feeling of superiority was perhaps equally entertained by his + new European acquaintance, but the effect was different; and the same + feeling, which dictated to the Christian knight a bold, blunt, and + somewhat careless bearing, as one too conscious of his own importance to + be anxious about the opinions of others, appeared to prescribe to the + Saracen a style of courtesy more studiously and formally observant of + ceremony. Both were courteous; but the courtesy of the Christian seemed to + flow rather from a good humoured sense of what was due to others; that of + the Moslem, from a high feeling of what was to be expected from himself. + </p> + <p> + The provision which each had made for his refreshment was simple, but the + meal of the Saracen was abstemious. A handful of dates and a morsel of + coarse barley-bread sufficed to relieve the hunger of the latter, whose + education had habituated them to the fare of the desert, although, since + their Syrian conquests, the Arabian simplicity of life frequently gave + place to the most unbounded profusion of luxury. A few draughts from the + lovely fountain by which they reposed completed his meal. That of the + Christian, though coarse, was more genial. Dried hog's flesh, the + abomination of the Moslemah, was the chief part of his repast; and his + drink, derived from a leathern bottle, contained something better than + pure element. He fed with more display of appetite, and drank with more + appearance of satisfaction, than the Saracen judged it becoming to show in + the performance of a mere bodily function; and, doubtless, the secret + contempt which each entertained for the other, as the follower of a false + religion, was considerably increased by the marked difference of their + diet and manners. But each had found the weight of his opponent's arm, and + the mutual respect which the bold struggle had created was sufficient to + subdue other and inferior considerations. Yet the Saracen could not help + remarking the circumstances which displeased him in the Christian's + conduct and manners; and, after he had witnessed for some time in silence + the keen appetite which protracted the knight's banquet long after his own + was concluded, he thus addressed him:— + </p> + <p> + “Valiant Nazarene, is it fitting that one who can fight like a man should + feed like a dog or a wolf? Even a misbelieving Jew would shudder at the + food which you seem to eat with as much relish as if it were fruit from + the trees of Paradise.” + </p> + <p> + “Valiant Saracen,” answered the Christian, looking up with some surprise + at the accusation thus unexpectedly brought, “know thou that I exercise my + Christian freedom in using that which is forbidden to the Jews, being, as + they esteem themselves, under the bondage of the old law of Moses. We, + Saracen, be it known to thee, have a better warrant for what we do—Ave + Maria!—be we thankful.” And, as if in defiance of his companion's + scruples, he concluded a short Latin grace with a long draught from the + leathern bottle. + </p> + <p> + “That, too, you call a part of your liberty,” said the Saracen; “and as + you feed like the brutes, so you degrade yourself to the bestial condition + by drinking a poisonous liquor which even they refuse!” + </p> + <p> + “Know, foolish Saracen,” replied the Christian, without hesitation, “that + thou blasphemest the gifts of God, even with the blasphemy of thy father + Ishmael. The juice of the grape is given to him that will use it wisely, + as that which cheers the heart of man after toil, refreshes him in + sickness, and comforts him in sorrow. He who so enjoyeth it may thank God + for his winecup as for his daily bread; and he who abuseth the gift of + Heaven is not a greater fool in his intoxication than thou in thine + abstinence.” + </p> + <p> + The keen eye of the Saracen kindled at this sarcasm, and his hand sought + the hilt of his poniard. It was but a momentary thought, however, and died + away in the recollection of the powerful champion with whom he had to + deal, and the desperate grapple, the impression of which still throbbed in + his limbs and veins; and he contented himself with pursuing the contest in + colloquy, as more convenient for the time. + </p> + <p> + “Thy words” he said, “O Nazarene, might create anger, did not thy + ignorance raise compassion. Seest thou not, O thou more blind than any who + asks alms at the door of the Mosque, that the liberty thou dost boast of + is restrained even in that which is dearest to man's happiness and to his + household; and that thy law, if thou dost practise it, binds thee in + marriage to one single mate, be she sick or healthy, be she fruitful or + barren, bring she comfort and joy, or clamour and strife, to thy table and + to thy bed? This, Nazarene, I do indeed call slavery; whereas, to the + faithful, hath the Prophet assigned upon earth the patriarchal privileges + of Abraham our father, and of Solomon, the wisest of mankind, having given + us here a succession of beauty at our pleasure, and beyond the grave the + black-eyed houris of Paradise.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, by His name that I most reverence in heaven,” said the Christian, + “and by hers whom I most worship on earth, thou art but a blinded and a + bewildered infidel!—That diamond signet which thou wearest on thy + finger, thou holdest it, doubtless, as of inestimable value?” + </p> + <p> + “Balsora and Bagdad cannot show the like,” replied the Saracen; “but what + avails it to our purpose?” + </p> + <p> + “Much,” replied the Frank, “as thou shalt thyself confess. Take my war-axe + and dash the stone into twenty shivers: would each fragment be as valuable + as the original gem, or would they, all collected, bear the tenth part of + its estimation?” + </p> + <p> + “That is a child's question,” answered the Saracen; “the fragments of such + a stone would not equal the entire jewel in the degree of hundreds to + one.” + </p> + <p> + “Saracen,” replied the Christian warrior, “the love which a true knight + binds on one only, fair and faithful, is the gem entire; the affection + thou flingest among thy enslaved wives and half-wedded slaves is + worthless, comparatively, as the sparkling shivers of the broken diamond.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, by the Holy Caaba,” said the Emir, “thou art a madman who hugs his + chain of iron as if it were of gold! Look more closely. This ring of mine + would lose half its beauty were not the signet encircled and enchased with + these lesser brilliants, which grace it and set it off. The central + diamond is man, firm and entire, his value depending on himself alone; and + this circle of lesser jewels are women, borrowing his lustre, which he + deals out to them as best suits his pleasure or his convenience. Take the + central stone from the signet, and the diamond itself remains as valuable + as ever, while the lesser gems are comparatively of little value. And this + is the true reading of thy parable; for what sayeth the poet Mansour: 'It + is the favour of man which giveth beauty and comeliness to woman, as the + stream glitters no longer when the sun ceaseth to shine.'” + </p> + <p> + “Saracen,” replied the Crusader, “thou speakest like one who never saw a + woman worthy the affection of a soldier. Believe me, couldst thou look + upon those of Europe, to whom, after Heaven, we of the order of knighthood + vow fealty and devotion, thou wouldst loathe for ever the poor sensual + slaves who form thy haram. The beauty of our fair ones gives point to our + spears and edge to our swords; their words are our law; and as soon will a + lamp shed lustre when unkindled, as a knight distinguish himself by feats + of arms, having no mistress of his affection.” + </p> + <p> + “I have heard of this frenzy among the warriors of the West,” said the + Emir, “and have ever accounted it one of the accompanying symptoms of that + insanity which brings you hither to obtain possession of an empty + sepulchre. But yet, methinks, so highly have the Franks whom I have met + with extolled the beauty of their women, I could be well contented to + behold with mine own eyes those charms which can transform such brave + warriors into the tools of their pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + “Brave Saracen,” said the Knight, “if I were not on a pilgrimage to the + Holy Sepulchre, it should be my pride to conduct you, on assurance of + safety, to the camp of Richard of England, than whom none knows better how + to do honour to a noble foe; and though I be poor and unattended yet have + I interest to secure for thee, or any such as thou seemest, not safety + only, but respect and esteem. There shouldst thou see several of the + fairest beauties of France and Britain form a small circle, the brilliancy + of which exceeds ten-thousandfold the lustre of mines of diamonds such as + thine.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, by the corner-stone of the Caaba!” said the Saracen, “I will accept + thy invitation as freely as it is given, if thou wilt postpone thy present + intent; and, credit me, brave Nazarene, it were better for thyself to turn + back thy horse's head towards the camp of thy people, for to travel + towards Jerusalem without a passport is but a wilful casting-away of thy + life.” + </p> + <p> + “I have a pass,” answered the Knight, producing a parchment, “Under + Saladin's hand and signet.” + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0040m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0040m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0040.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + The Saracen bent his head to the dust as he recognized the seal and + handwriting of the renowned Soldan of Egypt and Syria; and having kissed + the paper with profound respect, he pressed it to his forehead, then + returned it to the Christian, saying, “Rash Frank, thou hast sinned + against thine own blood and mine, for not showing this to me when we met.” + </p> + <p> + “You came with levelled spear,” said the Knight. “Had a troop of Saracens + so assailed me, it might have stood with my honour to have shown the + Soldan's pass, but never to one man.” + </p> + <p> + “And yet one man,” said the Saracen haughtily, “was enough to interrupt + your journey.” + </p> + <p> + “True, brave Moslem,” replied the Christian; “but there are few such as + thou art. Such falcons fly not in flocks; or, if they do, they pounce not + in numbers upon one.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou dost us but justice,” said the Saracen, evidently gratified by the + compliment, as he had been touched by the implied scorn of the European's + previous boast; “from us thou shouldst have had no wrong. But well was it + for me that I failed to slay thee, with the safeguard of the king of kings + upon thy person. Certain it were, that the cord or the sabre had justly + avenged such guilt.” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad to hear that its influence shall be availing to me,” said the + Knight; “for I have heard that the road is infested with robber-tribes, + who regard nothing in comparison of an opportunity of plunder.” + </p> + <p> + “The truth has been told to thee, brave Christian,” said the Saracen; “but + I swear to thee, by the turban of the Prophet, that shouldst thou miscarry + in any haunt of such villains, I will myself undertake thy revenge with + five thousand horse. I will slay every male of them, and send their women + into such distant captivity that the name of their tribe shall never again + be heard within five hundred miles of Damascus. I will sow with salt the + foundations of their village, and there shall never live thing dwell + there, even from that time forward.” + </p> + <p> + “I had rather the trouble which you design for yourself were in revenge of + some other more important person than of me, noble Emir,” replied the + Knight; “but my vow is recorded in heaven, for good or for evil, and I + must be indebted to you for pointing me out the way to my resting-place + for this evening.” + </p> + <p> + “That,” said the Saracen, “must be under the black covering of my father's + tent.” + </p> + <p> + “This night,” answered the Christian, “I must pass in prayer and penitence + with a holy man, Theodorick of Engaddi, who dwells amongst these wilds, + and spends his life in the service of God.” + </p> + <p> + “I will at least see you safe thither,” said the Saracen. + </p> + <p> + “That would be pleasant convoy for me,” said the Christian; “yet might + endanger the future security of the good father; for the cruel hand of + your people has been red with the blood of the servants of the Lord, and + therefore do we come hither in plate and mail, with sword and lance, to + open the road to the Holy Sepulchre, and protect the chosen saints and + anchorites who yet dwell in this land of promise and of miracle.” + </p> + <p> + “Nazarene,” said the Moslem, “in this the Greeks and Syrians have much + belied us, seeing we do but after the word of Abubeker Alwakel, the + successor of the Prophet, and, after him, the first commander of true + believers. 'Go forth,' he said, 'Yezed Ben Sophian,' when he sent that + renowned general to take Syria from the infidels; 'quit yourselves like + men in battle, but slay neither the aged, the infirm, the women, nor the + children. Waste not the land, neither destroy corn and fruit-trees; they + are the gifts of Allah. Keep faith when you have made any covenant, even + if it be to your own harm. If ye find holy men labouring with their hands, + and serving God in the desert, hurt them not, neither destroy their + dwellings. But when you find them with shaven crowns, they are of the + synagogue of Satan! Smite with the sabre, slay, cease not till they become + believers or tributaries.' As the Caliph, companion of the Prophet, hath + told us, so have we done, and those whom our justice has smitten are but + the priests of Satan. But unto the good men who, without stirring up + nation against nation, worship sincerely in the faith of Issa Ben Mariam, + we are a shadow and a shield; and such being he whom you seek, even though + the light of the Prophet hath not reached him, from me he will only have + love, favour, and regard.” + </p> + <p> + “The anchorite whom I would now visit,” said the warlike pilgrim, “is, I + have heard, no priest; but were he of that anointed and sacred order, I + would prove with my good lance, against paynim and infidel—” + </p> + <p> + “Let us not defy each other, brother,” interrupted the Saracen; “we shall + find, either of us, enough of Franks or of Moslemah on whom to exercise + both sword and lance. This Theodorick is protected both by Turk and Arab; + and, though one of strange conditions at intervals, yet, on the whole, he + bears himself so well as the follower of his own prophet, that he merits + the protection of him who was sent—” + </p> + <p> + “Now, by Our Lady, Saracen,” exclaimed the Christian, “if thou darest name + in the same breath the camel-driver of Mecca with—” + </p> + <p> + An electrical shock of passion thrilled through the form of the Emir; but + it was only momentary, and the calmness of his reply had both dignity and + reason in it, when he said, “Slander not him whom thou knowest not—the + rather that we venerate the founder of thy religion, while we condemn the + doctrine which your priests have spun from it. I will myself guide thee to + the cavern of the hermit, which, methinks, without my help, thou wouldst + find it a hard matter to reach. And, on the way, let us leave to mollahs + and to monks to dispute about the divinity of our faith, and speak on + themes which belong to youthful warriors—upon battles, upon + beautiful women, upon sharp swords, and upon bright armour.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> + <p> + The warriors arose from their place of brief rest and simple refreshment, + and courteously aided each other while they carefully replaced and + adjusted the harness from which they had relieved for the time their + trusty steeds. Each seemed familiar with an employment which at that time + was a part of necessary and, indeed, of indispensable duty. Each also + seemed to possess, as far as the difference betwixt the animal and + rational species admitted, the confidence and affection of the horse which + was the constant companion of his travels and his warfare. With the + Saracen this familiar intimacy was a part of his early habits; for, in the + tents of the Eastern military tribes, the horse of the soldier ranks next + to, and almost equal in importance with, his wife and his family; and with + the European warrior, circumstances, and indeed necessity, rendered his + war-horse scarcely less than his brother in arms. The steeds, therefore, + suffered themselves quietly to be taken from their food and liberty, and + neighed and snuffled fondly around their masters, while they were + adjusting their accoutrements for further travel and additional toil. And + each warrior, as he prosecuted his own task, or assisted with courtesy his + companion, looked with observant curiosity at the equipments of his + fellow-traveller, and noted particularly what struck him as peculiar in + the fashion in which he arranged his riding accoutrements. + </p> + <p> + Ere they remounted to resume their journey, the Christian Knight again + moistened his lips and dipped his hands in the living fountain, and said + to his pagan associate of the journey, “I would I knew the name of this + delicious fountain, that I might hold it in my grateful remembrance; for + never did water slake more deliciously a more oppressive thirst than I + have this day experienced.” + </p> + <p> + “It is called in the Arabic language,” answered the Saracen, “by a name + which signifies the Diamond of the Desert.” + </p> + <p> + “And well is it so named,” replied the Christian. “My native valley hath a + thousand springs, but not to one of them shall I attach hereafter such + precious recollection as to this solitary fount, which bestows its liquid + treasures where they are not only delightful, but nearly indispensable.” + </p> + <p> + “You say truth,” said the Saracen; “for the curse is still on yonder sea + of death, and neither man nor beast drinks of its waves, nor of the river + which feeds without filling it, until this inhospitable desert be passed.” + </p> + <p> + They mounted, and pursued their journey across the sandy waste. The ardour + of noon was now past, and a light breeze somewhat alleviated the terrors + of the desert, though not without bearing on its wings an impalpable dust, + which the Saracen little heeded, though his heavily-armed companion felt + it as such an annoyance that he hung his iron casque at his saddle-bow, + and substituted the light riding-cap, termed in the language of the time a + MORTIER, from its resemblance in shape to an ordinary mortar. They rode + together for some time in silence, the Saracen performing the part of + director and guide of the journey, which he did by observing minute marks + and bearings of the distant rocks, to a ridge of which they were gradually + approaching. For a little time he seemed absorbed in the task, as a pilot + when navigating a vessel through a difficult channel; but they had not + proceeded half a league when he seemed secure of his route, and disposed, + with more frankness than was usual to his nation, to enter into + conversation. + </p> + <p> + “You have asked the name,” he said, “of a mute fountain, which hath the + semblance, but not the reality, of a living thing. Let me be pardoned to + ask the name of the companion with whom I have this day encountered, both + in danger and in repose, and which I cannot fancy unknown even here among + the deserts of Palestine?” + </p> + <p> + “It is not yet worth publishing,” said the Christian. “Know, however, that + among the soldiers of the Cross I am called Kenneth—Kenneth of the + Couching Leopard; at home I have other titles, but they would sound harsh + in an Eastern ear. Brave Saracen, let me ask which of the tribes of Arabia + claims your descent, and by what name you are known?” + </p> + <p> + “Sir Kenneth,” said the Moslem, “I joy that your name is such as my lips + can easily utter. For me, I am no Arab, yet derive my descent from a line + neither less wild nor less warlike. Know, Sir Knight of the Leopard, that + I am Sheerkohf, the Lion of the Mountain, and that Kurdistan, from which I + derive my descent, holds no family more noble than that of Seljook.” + </p> + <p> + “I have heard,” answered the Christian, “that your great Soldan claims his + blood from the same source?” + </p> + <p> + “Thanks to the Prophet that hath so far honoured our mountains as to send + from their bosom him whose word is victory,” answered the paynim. “I am + but as a worm before the King of Egypt and Syria, and yet in my own land + something my name may avail. Stranger, with how many men didst thou come + on this warfare?” + </p> + <p> + “By my faith,” said Sir Kenneth, “with aid of friends and kinsmen, I was + hardly pinched to furnish forth ten well-appointed lances, with maybe some + fifty more men, archers and varlets included. Some have deserted my + unlucky pennon—some have fallen in battle—several have died of + disease—and one trusty armour-bearer, for whose life I am now doing + my pilgrimage, lies on the bed of sickness.” + </p> + <p> + “Christian,” said Sheerkohf, “here I have five arrows in my quiver, each + feathered from the wing of an eagle. When I send one of them to my tents, + a thousand warriors mount on horseback—when I send another, an equal + force will arise—for the five, I can command five thousand men; and + if I send my bow, ten thousand mounted riders will shake the desert. And + with thy fifty followers thou hast come to invade a land in which I am one + of the meanest!” + </p> + <p> + “Now, by the rood, Saracen,” retorted the Western warrior, “thou shouldst + know, ere thou vauntest thyself, that one steel glove can crush a whole + handful of hornets.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, but it must first enclose them within its grasp,” said the Saracen, + with a smile which might have endangered their new alliance, had he not + changed the subject by adding, “And is bravery so much esteemed amongst + the Christian princes that thou, thus void of means and of men, canst + offer, as thou didst of late, to be my protector and security in the camp + of thy brethren?” + </p> + <p> + “Know, Saracen,” said the Christian, “since such is thy style, that the + name of a knight, and the blood of a gentleman, entitle him to place + himself on the same rank with sovereigns even of the first degree, in so + far as regards all but regal authority and dominion. Were Richard of + England himself to wound the honour of a knight as poor as I am, he could + not, by the law of chivalry, deny him the combat.” + </p> + <p> + “Methinks I should like to look upon so strange a scene,” said the Emir, + “in which a leathern belt and a pair of spurs put the poorest on a level + with the most powerful.” + </p> + <p> + “You must add free blood and a fearless heart,” said the Christian; “then, + perhaps, you will not have spoken untruly of the dignity of knighthood.” + </p> + <p> + “And mix you as boldly amongst the females of your chiefs and leaders?” + asked the Saracen. + </p> + <p> + “God forbid,” said the Knight of the Leopard, “that the poorest knight in + Christendom should not be free, in all honourable service, to devote his + hand and sword, the fame of his actions, and the fixed devotion of his + heart, to the fairest princess who ever wore coronet on her brow!” + </p> + <p> + “But a little while since,” said the Saracen, “and you described love as + the highest treasure of the heart—thine hath undoubtedly been high + and nobly bestowed?” + </p> + <p> + “Stranger,” answered the Christian, blushing deeply as he spoke, “we tell + not rashly where it is we have bestowed our choicest treasures. It is + enough for thee to know that, as thou sayest, my love is highly and nobly + bestowed—most highly—most nobly; but if thou wouldst hear of + love and broken lances, venture thyself, as thou sayest, to the camp of + the Crusaders, and thou wilt find exercise for thine ears, and, if thou + wilt, for thy hands too.” + </p> + <p> + The Eastern warrior, raising himself in his stirrups, and shaking aloft + his lance, replied, “Hardly, I fear, shall I find one with a crossed + shoulder who will exchange with me the cast of the jerrid.” + </p> + <p> + “I will not promise for that,” replied the Knight; “though there be in the + camp certain Spaniards, who have right good skill in your Eastern game of + hurling the javelin.” + </p> + <p> + “Dogs, and sons of dogs!” ejaculated the Saracen; “what have these + Spaniards to do to come hither to combat the true believers, who, in their + own land, are their lords and taskmasters? with them I would mix in no + warlike pastime.” + </p> + <p> + “Let not the knights of Leon or Asturias hear you speak thus of them,” + said the Knight of the Leopard. “But,” added he, smiling at the + recollection of the morning's combat, “if, instead of a reed, you were + inclined to stand the cast of a battle-axe, there are enough of Western + warriors who would gratify your longing.” + </p> + <p> + “By the beard of my father, sir,” said the Saracen, with an approach to + laughter, “the game is too rough for mere sport. I will never shun them in + battle, but my head” (pressing his hand to his brow) “will not, for a + while, permit me to seek them in sport.” + </p> + <p> + “I would you saw the axe of King Richard,” answered the Western warrior, + “to which that which hangs at my saddle-bow weighs but as a feather.” + </p> + <p> + “We hear much of that island sovereign,” said the Saracen. “Art thou one + of his subjects?” + </p> + <p> + “One of his followers I am, for this expedition,” answered the Knight, + “and honoured in the service; but not born his subject, although a native + of the island in which he reigns.” + </p> + <p> + “How mean you? “ said the Eastern soldier; “have you then two kings in one + poor island?” + </p> + <p> + “As thou sayest,” said the Scot, for such was Sir Kenneth by birth. “It is + even so; and yet, although the inhabitants of the two extremities of that + island are engaged in frequent war, the country can, as thou seest, + furnish forth such a body of men-at-arms as may go far to shake the unholy + hold which your master hath laid on the cities of Zion.” + </p> + <p> + “By the beard of Saladin, Nazarene, but that it is a thoughtless and + boyish folly, I could laugh at the simplicity of your great Sultan, who + comes hither to make conquests of deserts and rocks, and dispute the + possession of them with those who have tenfold numbers at command, while + he leaves a part of his narrow islet, in which he was born a sovereign, to + the dominion of another sceptre than his. Surely, Sir Kenneth, you and the + other good men of your country should have submitted yourselves to the + dominion of this King Richard ere you left your native land, divided + against itself, to set forth on this expedition?” + </p> + <p> + Hasty and fierce was Kenneth's answer. “No, by the bright light of Heaven! + If the King of England had not set forth to the Crusade till he was + sovereign of Scotland, the Crescent might, for me, and all true-hearted + Scots, glimmer for ever on the walls of Zion.” + </p> + <p> + Thus far he had proceeded, when, suddenly recollecting himself, he + muttered, “MEA CULPA! MEA CULPA! what have I, a soldier of the Cross, to + do with recollection of war betwixt Christian nations!” + </p> + <p> + The rapid expression of feeling corrected by the dictates of duty did not + escape the Moslem, who, if he did not entirely understand all which it + conveyed, saw enough to convince him with the assurance that Christians, + as well as Moslemah, had private feelings of personal pique, and national + quarrels, which were not entirely reconcilable. But the Saracens were a + race, polished, perhaps, to the utmost extent which their religion + permitted, and particularly capable of entertaining high ideas of courtesy + and politeness; and such sentiments prevented his taking any notice of the + inconsistency of Sir Kenneth's feelings in the opposite characters of a + Scot and a Crusader. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, as they advanced, the scene began to change around them. They + were now turning to the eastward, and had reached the range of steep and + barren hills which binds in that quarter the naked plain, and varies the + surface of the country, without changing its sterile character. Sharp, + rocky eminences began to rise around them, and, in a short time, deep + declivities and ascents, both formidable in height and difficult from the + narrowness of the path, offered to the travellers obstacles of a different + kind from those with which they had recently contended. + </p> + <p> + Dark caverns and chasms amongst the rocks—those grottoes so often + alluded to in Scripture—yawned fearfully on either side as they + proceeded, and the Scottish knight was informed by the Emir that these + were often the refuge of beasts of prey, or of men still more ferocious, + who, driven to desperation by the constant war, and the oppression + exercised by the soldiery, as well of the Cross as of the Crescent, had + become robbers, and spared neither rank nor religion, neither sex nor age, + in their depredations. + </p> + <p> + The Scottish knight listened with indifference to the accounts of ravages + committed by wild beasts or wicked men, secure as he felt himself in his + own valour and personal strength; but he was struck with mysterious dread + when he recollected that he was now in the awful wilderness of the forty + days' fast, and the scene of the actual personal temptation, wherewith the + Evil Principle was permitted to assail the Son of Man. He withdrew his + attention gradually from the light and worldly conversation of the infidel + warrior beside him, and, however acceptable his gay and gallant bravery + would have rendered him as a companion elsewhere, Sir Kenneth felt as if, + in those wildernesses the waste and dry places in which the foul spirits + were wont to wander when expelled the mortals whose forms they possessed, + a bare-footed friar would have been a better associate than the gay but + unbelieving paynim. + </p> + <p> + These feelings embarrassed him the rather that the Saracen's spirits + appeared to rise with the journey, and because the farther he penetrated + into the gloomy recesses of the mountains, the lighter became his + conversation, and when he found that unanswered, the louder grew his song. + Sir Kenneth knew enough of the Eastern languages to be assured that he + chanted sonnets of love, containing all the glowing praises of beauty in + which the Oriental poets are so fond of luxuriating, and which, therefore, + were peculiarly unfitted for a serious or devotional strain of thought, + the feeling best becoming the Wilderness of the Temptation. With + inconsistency enough, the Saracen also sung lays in praise of wine, the + liquid ruby of the Persian poets; and his gaiety at length became so + unsuitable to the Christian knight's contrary train of sentiments, as, but + for the promise of amity which they had exchanged, would most likely have + made Sir Kenneth take measures to change his note. As it was, the Crusader + felt as if he had by his side some gay, licentious fiend, who endeavoured + to ensnare his soul, and endanger his immortal salvation, by inspiring + loose thoughts of earthly pleasure, and thus polluting his devotion, at a + time when his faith as a Christian and his vow as a pilgrim called on him + for a serious and penitential state of mind. He was thus greatly + perplexed, and undecided how to act; and it was in a tone of hasty + displeasure that, at length breaking silence, he interrupted the lay of + the celebrated Rudpiki, in which he prefers the mole on his mistress's + bosom to all the wealth of Bokhara and Samarcand. + </p> + <p> + “Saracen,” said the Crusader sternly, “blinded as thou art, and plunged + amidst the errors of a false law, thou shouldst yet comprehend that there + are some places more holy than others, and that there are some scenes also + in which the Evil One hath more than ordinary power over sinful mortals. I + will not tell thee for what awful reason this place—these rocks—these + caverns with their gloomy arches, leading as it were to the central abyss—are + held an especial haunt of Satan and his angels. It is enough that I have + been long warned to beware of this place by wise and holy men, to whom the + qualities of the unholy region are well known. Wherefore, Saracen, forbear + thy foolish and ill-timed levity, and turn thy thoughts to things more + suited to the spot—although, alas for thee! thy best prayers are but + as blasphemy and sin.” + </p> + <p> + The Saracen listened with some surprise, and then replied, with + good-humour and gaiety, only so far repressed as courtesy required, “Good + Sir Kenneth, methinks you deal unequally by your companion, or else + ceremony is but indifferently taught amongst your Western tribes. I took + no offence when I saw you gorge hog's flesh and drink wine, and permitted + you to enjoy a treat which you called your Christian liberty, only pitying + in my heart your foul pastimes. Wherefore, then, shouldst thou take + scandal, because I cheer, to the best of my power, a gloomy road with a + cheerful verse? What saith the poet, 'Song is like the dews of heaven on + the bosom of the desert; it cools the path of the traveller.'” + </p> + <p> + “Friend Saracen,” said the Christian, “I blame not the love of minstrelsy + and of the GAI SCIENCE; albeit, we yield unto it even too much room in our + thoughts when they should be bent on better things. But prayers and holy + psalms are better fitting than LAIS of love, or of wine-cups, when men + walk in this Valley of the Shadow of Death, full of fiends and demons, + whom the prayers of holy men have driven forth from the haunts of humanity + to wander amidst scenes as accursed as themselves.” + </p> + <p> + “Speak not thus of the Genii, Christian,” answered the Saracen, “for know + thou speakest to one whose line and nation drew their origin from the + immortal race which your sect fear and blaspheme.” + </p> + <p> + “I well thought,” answered the Crusader, “that your blinded race had their + descent from the foul fiend, without whose aid you would never have been + able to maintain this blessed land of Palestine against so many valiant + soldiers of God. I speak not thus of thee in particular, Saracen, but + generally of thy people and religion. Strange is it to me, however, not + that you should have the descent from the Evil One, but that you should + boast of it.” + </p> + <p> + “From whom should the bravest boast of descending, saving from him that is + bravest?” said the Saracen; “from whom should the proudest trace their + line so well as from the Dark Spirit, which would rather fall headlong by + force than bend the knee by his will? Eblis may be hated, stranger, but he + must be feared; and such as Eblis are his descendants of Kurdistan.” + </p> + <p> + Tales of magic and of necromancy were the learning of the period, and Sir + Kenneth heard his companion's confession of diabolical descent without any + disbelief, and without much wonder; yet not without a secret shudder at + finding himself in this fearful place, in the company of one who avouched + himself to belong to such a lineage. Naturally insusceptible, however, of + fear, he crossed himself, and stoutly demanded of the Saracen an account + of the pedigree which he had boasted. The latter readily complied. + </p> + <p> + “Know, brave stranger,” he said, “that when the cruel Zohauk, one of the + descendants of Giamschid, held the throne of Persia, he formed a league + with the Powers of Darkness, amidst the secret vaults of Istakhar, vaults + which the hands of the elementary spirits had hewn out of the living rock + long before Adam himself had an existence. Here he fed, with daily + oblations of human blood, two devouring serpents, which had become, + according to the poets, a part of himself, and to sustain whom he levied a + tax of daily human sacrifices, till the exhausted patience of his subjects + caused some to raise up the scimitar of resistance, like the valiant + Blacksmith and the victorious Feridoun, by whom the tyrant was at length + dethroned, and imprisoned for ever in the dismal caverns of the mountain + Damavend. But ere that deliverance had taken place, and whilst the power + of the bloodthirsty tyrant was at its height, the band of ravening slaves + whom he had sent forth to purvey victims for his daily sacrifice brought + to the vaults of the palace of Istakhar seven sisters so beautiful that + they seemed seven houris. These seven maidens were the daughters of a + sage, who had no treasures save those beauties and his own wisdom. The + last was not sufficient to foresee this misfortune, the former seemed + ineffectual to prevent it. The eldest exceeded not her twentieth year, the + youngest had scarce attained her thirteenth; and so like were they to each + other that they could not have been distinguished but for the difference + of height, in which they gradually rose in easy gradation above each + other, like the ascent which leads to the gates of Paradise. So lovely + were these seven sisters when they stood in the darksome vault, disrobed + of all clothing saving a cymar of white silk, that their charms moved the + hearts of those who were not mortal. Thunder muttered, the earth shook, + the wall of the vault was rent, and at the chasm entered one dressed like + a hunter, with bow and shafts, and followed by six others, his brethren. + They were tall men, and, though dark, yet comely to behold; but their eyes + had more the glare of those of the dead than the light which lives under + the eyelids of the living. 'Zeineb,' said the leader of the band—and + as he spoke he took the eldest sister by the hand, and his voice was soft, + low, and melancholy—'I am Cothrob, king of the subterranean world, + and supreme chief of Ginnistan. I and my brethren are of those who, + created out of the pure elementary fire, disdained, even at the command of + Omnipotence, to do homage to a clod of earth, because it was called Man. + Thou mayest have heard of us as cruel, unrelenting, and persecuting. It is + false. We are by nature kind and generous; only vengeful when insulted, + only cruel when affronted. We are true to those who trust us; and we have + heard the invocations of thy father, the sage Mithrasp, who wisely + worships not alone the Origin of Good, but that which is called the Source + of Evil. You and your sisters are on the eve of death; but let each give + to us one hair from your fair tresses, in token of fealty, and we will + carry you many miles from hence to a place of safety, where you may bid + defiance to Zohauk and his ministers.' The fear of instant death, saith + the poet, is like the rod of the prophet Haroun, which devoured all other + rods when transformed into snakes before the King of Pharaoh; and the + daughters of the Persian sage were less apt than others to be afraid of + the addresses of a spirit. They gave the tribute which Cothrob demanded, + and in an instant the sisters were transported to an enchanted castle on + the mountains of Tugrut, in Kurdistan, and were never again seen by mortal + eye. But in process of time seven youths, distinguished in the war and in + the chase, appeared in the environs of the castle of the demons. They were + darker, taller, fiercer, and more resolute than any of the scattered + inhabitants of the valleys of Kurdistan; and they took to themselves + wives, and became fathers of the seven tribes of the Kurdmans, whose + valour is known throughout the universe.” + </p> + <p> + The Christian knight heard with wonder the wild tale, of which Kurdistan + still possesses the traces, and, after a moment's thought, replied, + “Verily, Sir Knight, you have spoken well—your genealogy may be + dreaded and hated, but it cannot be contemned. Neither do I any longer + wonder at your obstinacy in a false faith, since, doubtless, it is part of + the fiendish disposition which hath descended from your ancestors, those + infernal huntsmen, as you have described them, to love falsehood rather + than truth; and I no longer marvel that your spirits become high and + exalted, and vent themselves in verse and in tunes, when you approach to + the places encumbered by the haunting of evil spirits, which must excite + in you that joyous feeling which others experience when approaching the + land of their human ancestry.” + </p> + <p> + “By my father's beard, I think thou hast the right,” said the Saracen, + rather amused than offended by the freedom with which the Christian had + uttered his reflections; “for, though the Prophet (blessed be his name!) + hath sown amongst us the seed of a better faith than our ancestors learned + in the ghostly halls of Tugrut, yet we are not willing, like other + Moslemah, to pass hasty doom on the lofty and powerful elementary spirits + from whom we claim our origin. These Genii, according to our belief and + hope, are not altogether reprobate, but are still in the way of probation, + and may hereafter be punished or rewarded. Leave we this to the mollahs + and the imauns. Enough that with us the reverence for these spirits is not + altogether effaced by what we have learned from the Koran, and that many + of us still sing, in memorial of our fathers' more ancient faith, such + verses as these.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, he proceeded to chant verses, very ancient in the language and + structure, which some have thought derive their source from the + worshippers of Arimanes, the Evil Principle. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + AHRIMAN. + + Dark Ahriman, whom Irak still + Holds origin of woe and ill! + When, bending at thy shrine, + We view the world with troubled eye, + Where see we 'neath the extended sky, + An empire matching thine! + + If the Benigner Power can yield + A fountain in the desert field, + Where weary pilgrims drink; + Thine are the waves that lash the rock, + Thine the tornado's deadly shock, + Where countless navies sink! + + Or if he bid the soil dispense + Balsams to cheer the sinking sense, + How few can they deliver + From lingering pains, or pang intense, + Red Fever, spotted Pestilence, + The arrows of thy quiver! + + Chief in Man's bosom sits thy sway, + And frequent, while in words we pray + Before another throne, + Whate'er of specious form be there, + The secret meaning of the prayer + Is, Ahriman, thine own. + + Say, hast thou feeling, sense, and form, + Thunder thy voice, thy garments storm, + As Eastern Magi say; + With sentient soul of hate and wrath, + And wings to sweep thy deadly path, + And fangs to tear thy prey? + + Or art thou mix'd in Nature's source, + An ever-operating force, + Converting good to ill; + An evil principle innate, + Contending with our better fate, + And, oh! victorious still? + + Howe'er it be, dispute is vain. + On all without thou hold'st thy reign, + Nor less on all within; + Each mortal passion's fierce career, + Love, hate, ambition, joy, and fear, + Thou goadest into sin. + + Whene'er a sunny gleam appears, + To brighten up our vale of tears, + Thou art not distant far; + 'Mid such brief solace of our lives, + Thou whett'st our very banquet-knives + To tools of death and war. + + Thus, from the moment of our birth, + Long as we linger on the earth, + Thou rulest the fate of men; + Thine are the pangs of life's last hour, + And—who dare answer?—is thy power, + Dark Spirit! ended THEN? + + [The worthy and learned clergyman by whom this species of + hymn has been translated desires, that, for fear of + misconception, we should warn the reader to recollect that + it is composed by a heathen, to whom the real causes of + moral and physical evil are unknown, and who views their + predominance in the system of the universe as all must view + that appalling fact who have not the benefit of the + Christian revelation. On our own part, we beg to add, that + we understand the style of the translator is more + paraphrastic than can be approved by those who are + acquainted with the singularly curious original. The + translator seems to have despaired of rendering into English + verse the flights of Oriental poetry; and, possibly, like + many learned and ingenious men, finding it impossible to + discover the sense of the original, he may have tacitly + substituted his own.] +</pre> + <p> + These verses may perhaps have been the not unnatural effusion of some + half-enlightened philosopher, who, in the fabled deity, Arimanes, saw but + the prevalence of moral and physical evil; but in the ears of Sir Kenneth + of the Leopard they had a different effect, and, sung as they were by one + who had just boasted himself a descendant of demons, sounded very like an + address of worship to the arch-fiend himself. He weighed within himself + whether, on hearing such blasphemy in the very desert where Satan had + stood rebuked for demanding homage, taking an abrupt leave of the Saracen + was sufficient to testify his abhorrence; or whether he was not rather + constrained by his vow as a Crusader to defy the infidel to combat on the + spot, and leave him food for the beasts of the wilderness, when his + attention was suddenly caught by an unexpected apparition. + </p> + <p> + The light was now verging low, yet served the knight still to discern that + they two were no longer alone in the desert, but were closely watched by a + figure of great height and very thin, which skipped over rocks and bushes + with so much agility as, added to the wild and hirsute appearance of the + individual, reminded him of the fauns and silvans, whose images he had + seen in the ancient temples of Rome. As the single-hearted Scottishman had + never for a moment doubted these gods of the ancient Gentiles to be + actually devils, so he now hesitated not to believe that the blasphemous + hymn of the Saracen had raised up an infernal spirit. + </p> + <p> + “But what recks it?” said stout Sir Kenneth to himself; “down with the + fiend and his worshippers!” + </p> + <p> + He did not, however, think it necessary to give the same warning of + defiance to two enemies as he would unquestionably have afforded to one. + His hand was upon his mace, and perhaps the unwary Saracen would have been + paid for his Persian poetry by having his brains dashed out on the spot, + without any reason assigned for it; but the Scottish Knight was spared + from committing what would have been a sore blot in his shield of arms. + The apparition, on which his eyes had been fixed for some time, had at + first appeared to dog their path by concealing itself behind rocks and + shrubs, using those advantages of the ground with great address, and + surmounting its irregularities with surprising agility. At length, just as + the Saracen paused in his song, the figure, which was that of a tall man + clothed in goat-skins, sprung into the midst of the path, and seized a + rein of the Saracen's bridle in either hand, confronting thus and bearing + back the noble horse, which, unable to endure the manner in which this + sudden assailant pressed the long-armed bit, and the severe curb, which, + according to the Eastern fashion, was a solid ring of iron, reared + upright, and finally fell backwards on his master, who, however, avoided + the peril of the fall by lightly throwing himself to one side. + </p> + <p> + The assailant then shifted his grasp from the bridle of the horse to the + throat of the rider, flung himself above the struggling Saracen, and, + despite of his youth and activity kept him undermost, wreathing his long + arms above those of his prisoner, who called out angrily, and yet + half-laughing at the same time—“Hamako—fool—unloose me—this + passes thy privilege—unloose me, or I will use my dagger.” + </p> + <p> + “Thy dagger!—infidel dog!” said the figure in the goat-skins, “hold + it in thy gripe if thou canst!” and in an instant he wrenched the + Saracen's weapon out of its owner's hand, and brandished it over his head. + </p> + <p> + “Help, Nazarene!” cried Sheerkohf, now seriously alarmed; “help, or the + Hamako will slay me.” + </p> + <p> + “Slay thee!” replied the dweller of the desert; “and well hast thou + merited death, for singing thy blasphemous hymns, not only to the praise + of thy false prophet, who is the foul fiend's harbinger, but to that of + the Author of Evil himself.” + </p> + <p> + The Christian Knight had hitherto looked on as one stupefied, so strangely + had this rencontre contradicted, in its progress and event, all that he + had previously conjectured. He felt, however, at length, that it touched + his honour to interfere in behalf of his discomfited companion, and + therefore addressed himself to the victorious figure in the goat-skins. + </p> + <p> + “Whosoe'er thou art,” he said, “and whether of good or of evil, know that + I am sworn for the time to be true companion to the Saracen whom thou + holdest under thee; therefore, I pray thee to let him arise, else I will + do battle with thee in his behalf.” + </p> + <p> + “And a proper quarrel it were,” answered the Hamako, “for a Crusader to do + battle in—for the sake of an unbaptized dog, to combat one of his + own holy faith! Art thou come forth to the wilderness to fight for the + Crescent against the Cross? A goodly soldier of God art thou to listen to + those who sing the praises of Satan!” + </p> + <p> + Yet, while he spoke thus, he arose himself, and, suffering the Saracen to + rise also, returned him his cangiar, or poniard. + </p> + <p> + “Thou seest to what a point of peril thy presumption hath brought thee,” + continued he of the goat-skins, now addressing Sheerkohf, “and by what + weak means thy practised skill and boasted agility can be foiled, when + such is Heaven's pleasure. Wherefore, beware, O Ilderim! for know that, + were there not a twinkle in the star of thy nativity which promises for + thee something that is good and gracious in Heaven's good time, we two had + not parted till I had torn asunder the throat which so lately trilled + forth blasphemies.” + </p> + <p> + “Hamako,” said the Saracen, without any appearance of resenting the + violent language and yet more violent assault to which he had been + subjected, “I pray thee, good Hamako, to beware how thou dost again urge + thy privilege over far; for though, as a good Moslem, I respect those whom + Heaven hath deprived of ordinary reason, in order to endow them with the + spirit of prophecy, yet I like not other men's hands on the bridle of my + horse, neither upon my own person. Speak, therefore, what thou wilt, + secure of any resentment from me; but gather so much sense as to apprehend + that if thou shalt again proffer me any violence, I will strike thy + shagged head from thy meagre shoulders.—and to thee, friend + Kenneth,” he added, as he remounted his steed, “I must needs say, that in + a companion through the desert, I love friendly deeds better than fair + words. Of the last thou hast given me enough; but it had been better to + have aided me more speedily in my struggle with this Hamako, who had + well-nigh taken my life in his frenzy.” + </p> + <p> + “By my faith,” said the Knight, “I did somewhat fail—was somewhat + tardy in rendering thee instant help; but the strangeness of the + assailant, the suddenness of the scene—it was as if thy wild and + wicked lay had raised the devil among us—and such was my confusion, + that two or three minutes elapsed ere I could take to my weapon.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou art but a cold and considerate friend,” said the Saracen; “and, had + the Hamako been one grain more frantic, thy companion had been slain by + thy side, to thy eternal dishonour, without thy stirring a finger in his + aid, although thou satest by, mounted, and in arms.” + </p> + <p> + “By my word, Saracen,” said the Christian, “if thou wilt have it in plain + terms, I thought that strange figure was the devil; and being of thy + lineage, I knew not what family secret you might be communicating to each + other, as you lay lovingly rolling together on the sand.” + </p> + <p> + “Thy gibe is no answer, brother Kenneth,” said the Saracen; “for know, + that had my assailant been in very deed the Prince of Darkness, thou wert + bound not the less to enter into combat with him in thy comrade's behalf. + Know, also, that whatever there may be of foul or of fiendish about the + Hamako belongs more to your lineage than to mine—this Hamako being, + in truth, the anchorite whom thou art come hither to visit.” + </p> + <p> + “This!” said Sir Kenneth, looking at the athletic yet wasted figure before + him—“this! Thou mockest, Saracen—this cannot be the venerable + Theodorick!” + </p> + <p> + “Ask himself, if thou wilt not believe me,” answered Sheerkohf; and ere + the words had left his mouth, the hermit gave evidence in his own behalf. + </p> + <p> + “I am Theodorick of Engaddi,” he said—“I am the walker of the desert—I + am friend of the Cross, and flail of all infidels, heretics, and + devil-worshippers. Avoid ye, avoid ye! Down with Mahound, Termagaunt, and + all their adherents!”—So saying, he pulled from under his shaggy + garment a sort of flail or jointed club, bound with iron, which he + brandished round his head with singular dexterity. + </p> + <p> + “Thou seest thy saint,” said the Saracen, laughing, for the first time, at + the unmitigated astonishment with which Sir Kenneth looked on the wild + gestures and heard the wayward muttering of Theodorick, who, after + swinging his flail in every direction, apparently quite reckless whether + it encountered the head of either of his companions, finally showed his + own strength, and the soundness of the weapon, by striking into fragments + a large stone which lay near him. + </p> + <p> + “This is a madman,” said Sir Kenneth. + </p> + <p> + “Not the worse saint,” returned the Moslem, speaking according to the + well-known Eastern belief, that madmen are under the influence of + immediate inspiration. “Know, Christian, that when one eye is + extinguished, the other becomes more keen; when one hand is cut off, the + other becomes more powerful; so, when our reason in human things is + disturbed or destroyed, our view heavenward becomes more acute and + perfect.” + </p> + <p> + Here the voice of the Saracen was drowned in that of the hermit, who began + to hollo aloud in a wild, chanting tone, “I am Theodorick of Engaddi—I + am the torch-brand of the desert—I am the flail of the infidels! The + lion and the leopard shall be my comrades, and draw nigh to my cell for + shelter; neither shall the goat be afraid of their fangs. I am the torch + and the lantern—Kyrie Eleison!” + </p> + <p> + He closed his song by a short race, and ended that again by three forward + bounds, which would have done him great credit in a gymnastic academy, but + became his character of hermit so indifferently that the Scottish Knight + was altogether confounded and bewildered. + </p> + <p> + The Saracen seemed to understand him better. “You see,” he said, “that he + expects us to follow him to his cell, which, indeed, is our only place of + refuge for the night. You are the leopard, from the portrait on your + shield; I am the lion, as my name imports; and by the goat, alluding to + his garb of goat-skins, he means himself. We must keep him in sight, + however, for he is as fleet as a dromedary.” + </p> + <p> + In fact, the task was a difficult one, for though the reverend guide + stopped from time to time, and waved his hand, as if to encourage them to + come on, yet, well acquainted with all the winding dells and passes of the + desert, and gifted with uncommon activity, which, perhaps, an unsettled + state of mind kept in constant exercise, he led the knights through chasms + and along footpaths where even the light-armed Saracen, with his + well-trained barb, was in considerable risk, and where the iron-sheathed + European and his over-burdened steed found themselves in such imminent + peril as the rider would gladly have exchanged for the dangers of a + general action. Glad he was when, at length, after this wild race, he + beheld the holy man who had led it standing in front of a cavern, with a + large torch in his hand, composed of a piece of wood dipped in bitumen, + which cast a broad and flickering light, and emitted a strong sulphureous + smell. + </p> + <p> + Undeterred by the stifling vapour, the knight threw himself from his horse + and entered the cavern, which afforded small appearance of accommodation. + The cell was divided into two parts, in the outward of which were an altar + of stone and a crucifix made of reeds: this served the anchorite for his + chapel. On one side of this outward cave the Christian knight, though not + without scruple, arising from religious reverence to the objects around, + fastened up his horse, and arranged him for the night, in imitation of the + Saracen, who gave him to understand that such was the custom of the place. + The hermit, meanwhile, was busied putting his inner apartment in order to + receive his guests, and there they soon joined him. At the bottom of the + outer cave, a small aperture, closed with a door of rough plank, led into + the sleeping apartment of the hermit, which was more commodious. The floor + had been brought to a rough level by the labour of the inhabitant, and + then strewed with white sand, which he daily sprinkled with water from a + small fountain which bubbled out of the rock in one corner, affording in + that stifling climate, refreshment alike to the ear and the taste. + Mattresses, wrought of twisted flags, lay by the side of the cell; the + sides, like the floor, had been roughly brought to shape, and several + herbs and flowers were hung around them. Two waxen torches, which the + hermit lighted, gave a cheerful air to the place, which was rendered + agreeable by its fragrance and coolness. + </p> + <p> + There were implements of labour in one corner of the apartment, in another + was a niche for a rude statue of the Virgin. A table and two chairs showed + that they must be the handiwork of the anchorite, being different in their + form from Oriental accommodations. The former was covered, not only with + reeds and pulse, but also with dried flesh, which Theodorick assiduously + placed in such arrangement as should invite the appetite of his guests. + This appearance of courtesy, though mute, and expressed by gestures only, + seemed to Sir Kenneth something entirely irreconcilable with his former + wild and violent demeanour. The movements of the hermit were now become + composed, and apparently it was only a sense of religious humiliation + which prevented his features, emaciated as they were by his austere mode + of life, from being majestic and noble. He trod his cell as one who seemed + born to rule over men, but who had abdicated his empire to become the + servant of Heaven. Still, it must be allowed that his gigantic size, the + length of his unshaven locks and beard, and the fire of a deep-set and + wild eye were rather attributes of a soldier than of a recluse. + </p> + <p> + Even the Saracen seemed to regard the anchorite with some veneration, + while he was thus employed, and he whispered in a low tone to Sir Kenneth, + “The Hamako is now in his better mind, but he will not speak until we have + eaten—such is his vow.” + </p> + <p> + It was in silence, accordingly, that Theodorick motioned to the Scot to + take his place on one of the low chairs, while Sheerkohf placed himself, + after the custom of his nation, upon a cushion of mats. The hermit then + held up both hands, as if blessing the refreshment which he had placed + before his guests, and they proceeded to eat in silence as profound as his + own. To the Saracen this gravity was natural; and the Christian imitated + his taciturnity, while he employed his thoughts on the singularity of his + own situation, and the contrast betwixt the wild, furious gesticulations, + loud cries, and fierce actions of Theodorick, when they first met him, and + the demure, solemn, decorous assiduity with which he now performed the + duties of hospitality. + </p> + <p> + When their meal was ended, the hermit, who had not himself eaten a morsel, + removed the fragments from the table, and placing before the Saracen a + pitcher of sherbet, assigned to the Scot a flask of wine. + </p> + <p> + “Drink,” he said, “my children”—they were the first words he had + spoken—“the gifts of God are to be enjoyed, when the Giver is + remembered.” + </p> + <p> + Having said this, he retired to the outward cell, probably for performance + of his devotions, and left his guests together in the inner apartment; + when Sir Kenneth endeavoured, by various questions, to draw from Sheerkohf + what that Emir knew concerning his host. He was interested by more than + mere curiosity in these inquiries. Difficult as it was to reconcile the + outrageous demeanour of the recluse at his first appearance with his + present humble and placid behaviour, it seemed yet more impossible to + think it consistent with the high consideration in which, according to + what Sir Kenneth had learned, this hermit was held by the most enlightened + divines of the Christian world. Theodorick, the hermit of Engaddi, had, in + that character, been the correspondent of popes and councils; to whom his + letters, full of eloquent fervour, had described the miseries imposed by + the unbelievers upon the Latin Christians in the Holy Land, in colours + scarce inferior to those employed at the Council of Clermont by the Hermit + Peter, when he preached the first Crusade. To find, in a person so + reverend and so much revered, the frantic gestures of a mad fakir, induced + the Christian knight to pause ere he could resolve to communicate to him + certain important matters, which he had in charge from some of the leaders + of the Crusade. + </p> + <p> + It had been a main object of Sir Kenneth's pilgrimage, attempted by a + route so unusual, to make such communications; but what he had that night + seen induced him to pause and reflect ere he proceeded to the execution of + his commission. From the Emir he could not extract much information, but + the general tenor was as follows:—That, as he had heard, the hermit + had been once a brave and valiant soldier, wise in council and fortunate + in battle, which last he could easily believe from the great strength and + agility which he had often seen him display; that he had appeared at + Jerusalem in the character not of a pilgrim, but in that of one who had + devoted himself to dwell for the remainder of his life in the Holy Land. + Shortly afterwards, he fixed his residence amid the scenes of desolation + where they now found him, respected by the Latins for his austere + devotion, and by the Turks and Arabs on account of the symptoms of + insanity which he displayed, and which they ascribed to inspiration. It + was from them he had the name of Hamako, which expresses such a character + in the Turkish language. Sheerkohf himself seemed at a loss how to rank + their host. He had been, he said, a wise man, and could often for many + hours together speak lessons of virtue or wisdom, without the slightest + appearance of inaccuracy. At other times he was wild and violent, but + never before had he seen him so mischievously disposed as he had that day + appeared to be. His rage was chiefly provoked by any affront to his + religion; and there was a story of some wandering Arabs, who had insulted + his worship and defaced his altar, and whom he had on that account + attacked and slain with the short flail which he carried with him in lieu + of all other weapons. This incident had made a great noise, and it was as + much the fear of the hermit's iron flail as regard for his character as a + Hamako which caused the roving tribes to respect his dwelling and his + chapel. His fame had spread so far that Saladin had issued particular + orders that he should be spared and protected. He himself, and other + Moslem lords of rank, had visited the cell more than once, partly from + curiosity, partly that they expected from a man so learned as the + Christian Hamako some insight into the secrets of futurity. “He had,” + continued the Saracen, “a rashid, or observatory, of great height, + contrived to view the heavenly bodies, and particularly the planetary + system—by whose movements and influences, as both Christian and + Moslem believed, the course of human events was regulated, and might be + predicted.” + </p> + <p> + This was the substance of the Emir Sheerkohf's information, and it left + Sir Kenneth in doubt whether the character of insanity arose from the + occasional excessive fervour of the hermit's zeal, or whether it was not + altogether fictitious, and assumed for the sake of the immunities which it + afforded. Yet it seemed that the infidels had carried their complaisance + towards him to an uncommon length, considering the fanaticism of the + followers of Mohammed, in the midst of whom he was living, though the + professed enemy of their faith. He thought also there was more intimacy of + acquaintance betwixt the hermit and the Saracen than the words of the + latter had induced him to anticipate; and it had not escaped him that the + former had called the latter by a name different from that which he + himself had assumed. All these considerations authorized caution, if not + suspicion. He determined to observe his host closely, and not to be + over-hasty in communicating with him on the important charge entrusted to + him. + </p> + <p> + “Beware, Saracen,” he said; “methinks our host's imagination wanders as + well on the subject of names as upon other matters. Thy name is Sheerkohf, + and he called thee but now by another.” + </p> + <p> + “My name, when in the tent of my father,” replied the Kurdman, “was + Ilderim, and by this I am still distinguished by many. In the field, and + to soldiers, I am known as the Lion of the Mountain, being the name my + good sword hath won for me. But hush, the Hamako comes—it is to warn + us to rest. I know his custom; none must watch him at his vigils.” + </p> + <p> + The anchorite accordingly entered, and folding his arms on his bosom as he + stood before them, said with a solemn voice, “Blessed be His name, who + hath appointed the quiet night to follow the busy day, and the calm sleep + to refresh the wearied limbs and to compose the troubled spirit!” + </p> + <p> + Both warriors replied “Amen!” and, arising from the table, prepared to + betake themselves to the couches, which their host indicated by waving his + hand, as, making a reverence to each, he again withdrew from the + apartment. + </p> + <p> + The Knight of the Leopard then disarmed himself of his heavy panoply, his + Saracen companion kindly assisting him to undo his buckler and clasps, + until he remained in the close dress of chamois leather, which knights and + men-at-arms used to wear under their harness. The Saracen, if he had + admired the strength of his adversary when sheathed in steel, was now no + less struck with the accuracy of proportion displayed in his nervous and + well-compacted figure. The knight, on the other hand, as, in exchange of + courtesy, he assisted the Saracen to disrobe himself of his upper + garments, that he might sleep with more convenience, was, on his side, at + a loss to conceive how such slender proportions and slimness of figure + could be reconciled with the vigour he had displayed in personal contest. + </p> + <p> + Each warrior prayed ere he addressed himself to his place of rest. The + Moslem turned towards his KEBLAH, the point to which the prayer of each + follower of the Prophet was to be addressed, and murmured his heathen + orisons; while the Christian, withdrawing from the contamination of the + infidel's neighbourhood, placed his huge cross-handled sword upright, and + kneeling before it as the sign of salvation, told his rosary with a + devotion which was enhanced by the recollection of the scenes through + which he had passed, and the dangers from which he had been rescued, in + the course of the day. Both warriors, worn by toil and travel, were soon + fast asleep, each on his separate pallet. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> + <p> + Kenneth the Scot was uncertain how long his senses had been lost in + profound repose, when he was roused to recollection by a sense of + oppression on his chest, which at first suggested a flirting dream of + struggling with a powerful opponent, and at length recalled him fully to + his senses. He was about to demand who was there, when, opening his eyes, + he beheld the figure of the anchorite, wild and savage-looking as we have + described him, standing by his bedside, and pressing his right hand upon + his breast, while he held a small silver lamp in the other. + </p> + <p> + “Be silent,” said the hermit, as the prostrate knight looked up in + surprise; “I have that to say to you which yonder infidel must not hear.” + </p> + <p> + These words he spoke in the French language, and not in the lingua franca, + or compound of Eastern and European dialects, which had hitherto been used + amongst them. + </p> + <p> + “Arise,” he continued, “put on thy mantle; speak not, but tread lightly, + and follow me.” + </p> + <p> + Sir Kenneth arose, and took his sword. + </p> + <p> + “It needs not,” answered the anchorite, in a whisper; “we are going where + spiritual arms avail much, and fleshly weapons are but as the reed and the + decayed gourd.” + </p> + <p> + The knight deposited his sword by the bedside as before, and, armed only + with his dagger, from which in this perilous country he never parted, + prepared to attend his mysterious host. + </p> + <p> + The hermit then moved slowly forwards, and was followed by the knight, + still under some uncertainty whether the dark form which glided on before + to show him the path was not, in fact, the creation of a disturbed dream. + They passed, like shadows, into the outer apartment, without disturbing + the paynim Emir, who lay still buried in repose. Before the cross and + altar, in the outward room, a lamp was still burning, a missal was + displayed, and on the floor lay a discipline, or penitential scourge of + small cord and wire, the lashes of which were recently stained with blood—a + token, no doubt, of the severe penance of the recluse. Here Theodorick + kneeled down, and pointed to the knight to take his place beside him upon + the sharp flints, which seemed placed for the purpose of rendering the + posture of reverential devotion as uneasy as possible. He read many + prayers of the Catholic Church, and chanted, in a low but earnest voice, + three of the penitential psalms. These last he intermixed with sighs, and + tears, and convulsive throbs, which bore witness how deeply he felt the + divine poetry which he recited. The Scottish knight assisted with profound + sincerity at these acts of devotion, his opinion of his host beginning, in + the meantime, to be so much changed, that he doubted whether, from the + severity of his penance and the ardour of his prayers, he ought not to + regard him as a saint; and when they arose from the ground, he stood with + reverence before him, as a pupil before an honoured master. The hermit + was, on his side, silent and abstracted for the space of a few minutes. + </p> + <p> + “Look into yonder recess, my son,” he said, pointing to the farther corner + of the cell; “there thou wilt find a veil—bring it hither.” + </p> + <p> + The knight obeyed, and in a small aperture cut out of the wall, and + secured with a door of wicker, he found the veil inquired for. When he + brought it to the light, he discovered that it was torn, and soiled in + some places with some dark substance. The anchorite looked at it with a + deep but smothered emotion, and ere he could speak to the Scottish knight, + was compelled to vent his feelings in a convulsive groan. + </p> + <p> + “Thou art now about to look upon the richest treasure that the earth + possesses,” he at length said; “woe is me, that my eyes are unworthy to be + lifted towards it! Alas! I am but the vile and despised sign, which points + out to the wearied traveller a harbour of rest and security, but must + itself remain for ever without doors. In vain have I fled to the very + depths of the rocks, and the very bosom of the thirsty desert. Mine enemy + hath found me—even he whom I have denied has pursued me to my + fortresses.” + </p> + <p> + He paused again for a moment, and turning to the Scottish knight, said, in + a firmer tone of voice, “You bring me a greeting from Richard of England?” + </p> + <p> + “I come from the Council of Christian Princes,” said the knight; “but the + King of England being indisposed, I am not honoured with his Majesty's + commands.” + </p> + <p> + “Your token?” demanded the recluse. + </p> + <p> + Sir Kenneth hesitated. Former suspicions, and the marks of insanity which + the hermit had formerly exhibited, rushed suddenly on his thoughts; but + how suspect a man whose manners were so saintly? “My password,” he said at + length, “is this—Kings begged of a beggar.” + </p> + <p> + “It is right,” said the hermit, while he paused. “I know you well; but the + sentinel upon his post—and mine is an important one—challenges + friend as well as foe.” + </p> + <p> + He then moved forward with the lamp, leading the way into the room which + they had left. The Saracen lay on his couch, still fast asleep. The hermit + paused by his side, and looked down on him. + </p> + <p> + “He sleeps,” he said, “in darkness, and must not be awakened.” + </p> + <p> + The attitude of the Emir did indeed convey the idea of profound repose. + One arm, flung across his body, as he lay with his face half turned to the + wall, concealed, with its loose and long sleeve, the greater part of his + face; but the high forehead was yet visible. Its nerves, which during his + waking hours were so uncommonly active, were now motionless, as if the + face had been composed of dark marble, and his long silken eyelashes + closed over his piercing and hawklike eyes. The open and relaxed hand, and + the deep, regular, and soft breathing, all gave tokens of the most + profound repose. The slumberer formed a singular group along with the tall + forms of the hermit in his shaggy dress of goat-skins, bearing the lamp, + and the knight in his close leathern coat—the former with an austere + expression of ascetic gloom, the latter with anxious curiosity deeply + impressed on his manly features. + </p> + <p> + “He sleeps soundly,” said the hermit, in the same low tone as before; and + repeating the words, though he had changed the meaning from that which is + literal to a metaphorical sense—“he sleeps in darkness, but there + shall be for him a dayspring.—O Ilderim, thy waking thoughts are yet + as vain and wild as those which are wheeling their giddy dance through thy + sleeping brain; but the trumpet shall be heard, and the dream shall be + dissolved.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, and making the knight a sign to follow him, the hermit went + towards the altar, and passing behind it, pressed a spring, which, opening + without noise, showed a small iron door wrought in the side of the cavern, + so as to be almost imperceptible, unless upon the most severe scrutiny. + The hermit, ere he ventured fully to open the door, dropped some oil on + the hinges, which the lamp supplied. A small staircase, hewn in the rock, + was discovered, when the iron door was at length completely opened. + </p> + <p> + “Take the veil which I hold,” said the hermit, in a melancholy tone, “and + blind mine eyes; For I may not look on the treasure which thou art + presently to behold, without sin and presumption.” + </p> + <p> + Without reply, the knight hastily muffled the recluse's head in the veil, + and the latter began to ascend the staircase as one too much accustomed to + the way to require the use of light, while at the same time he held the + lamp to the Scot, who followed him for many steps up the narrow ascent. At + length they rested in a small vault of irregular form, in one nook of + which the staircase terminated, while in another corner a corresponding + stair was seen to continue the ascent. In a third angle was a Gothic door, + very rudely ornamented with the usual attributes of clustered columns and + carving, and defended by a wicket, strongly guarded with iron, and studded + with large nails. To this last point the hermit directed his steps, which + seemed to falter as he approached it. + </p> + <p> + “Put off thy shoes,” he said to his attendant; “the ground on which thou + standest is holy. Banish from thy innermost heart each profane and carnal + thought, for to harbour such while in this place were a deadly impiety.” + </p> + <p> + The knight laid aside his shoes as he was commanded, and the hermit stood + in the meanwhile as if communing with his soul in secret prayer, and when + he again moved, commanded the knight to knock at the wicket three times. + He did so. The door opened spontaneously—at least Sir Kenneth beheld + no one—and his senses were at once assailed by a stream of the + purest light, and by a strong and almost oppressive sense of the richest + perfumes. He stepped two or three paces back, and it was the space of a + minute ere he recovered the dazzling and overpowering effects of the + sudden change from darkness to light. + </p> + <p> + When he entered the apartment in which this brilliant lustre was + displayed, he perceived that the light proceeded from a combination of + silver lamps, fed with purest oil, and sending forth the richest odours, + hanging by silver chains from the roof of a small Gothic chapel, hewn, + like most part of the hermit's singular mansion, out of the sound and + solid rock. But whereas, in every other place which Sir Kenneth had seen, + the labour employed upon the rock had been of the simplest and coarsest + description, it had in this chapel employed the invention and the chisels + of the most able architects. The groined roofs rose from six columns on + each side, carved with the rarest skill; and the manner in which the + crossings of the concave arches were bound together, as it were, with + appropriate ornaments, were all in the finest tone of the architecture of + the age. Corresponding to the line of pillars, there were on each side six + richly-wrought niches, each of which contained the image of one of the + twelve apostles. + </p> + <p> + At the upper and eastern end of the chapel stood the altar, behind which a + very rich curtain of Persian silk, embroidered deeply with gold, covered a + recess, containing, unquestionably, some image or relic of no ordinary + sanctity, in honour of which this singular place of worship had been + erected, Under the persuasion that this must be the case, the knight + advanced to the shrine, and kneeling down before it, repeated his + devotions with fervency, during which his attention was disturbed by the + curtain being suddenly raised, or rather pulled aside, how or by whom he + saw not; but in the niche which was thus disclosed he beheld a cabinet of + silver and ebony, with a double folding-door, the whole formed into the + miniature resemblance of a Gothic church. + </p> + <p> + As he gazed with anxious curiosity on the shrine, the two folding-doors + also flew open, discovering a large piece of wood, on which were blazoned + the words, VERA CRUX; at the same time a choir of female voices sung + GLORIA PATRI. The instant the strain had ceased, the shrine was closed, + and the curtain again drawn, and the knight who knelt at the altar might + now continue his devotions undisturbed, in honour of the holy relic which + had been just disclosed to his view. He did this under the profound + impression of one who had witnessed, with his own eyes, an awful evidence + of the truth of his religion; and it was some time ere, concluding his + orisons, he arose, and ventured to look around him for the hermit, who had + guided him to this sacred and mysterious spot. He beheld him, his head + still muffled in the veil which he had himself wrapped around it, + crouching, like a rated hound, upon the threshold of the chapel; but, + apparently, without venturing to cross it—the holiest reverence, the + most penitential remorse, was expressed by his posture, which seemed that + of a man borne down and crushed to the earth by the burden of his inward + feelings. It seemed to the Scot that only the sense of the deepest + penitence, remorse, and humiliation could have thus prostrated a frame so + strong and a spirit so fiery. + </p> + <p> + He approached him as if to speak; but the recluse anticipated his purpose, + murmuring in stifled tones, from beneath the fold in which his head was + muffled, and which sounded like a voice proceeding from the cerements of a + corpse,—“Abide, abide—happy thou that mayest—the vision + is not yet ended.” So saying, he reared himself from the ground, drew back + from the threshold on which he had hitherto lain prostrate, and closed the + door of the chapel, which, secured by a spring bolt within, the snap of + which resounded through the place, appeared so much like a part of the + living rock from which the cavern was hewn, that Kenneth could hardly + discern where the aperture had been. He was now alone in the lighted + chapel which contained the relic to which he had lately rendered his + homage, without other arms than his dagger, or other companion than his + pious thoughts and dauntless courage. + </p> + <p> + Uncertain what was next to happen, but resolved to abide the course of + events, Sir Kenneth paced the solitary chapel till about the time of the + earliest cock-crowing. At this dead season, when night and morning met + together, he heard, but from what quarter he could not discover, the sound + of such a small silver bell as is rung at the elevation of the host in the + ceremony, or sacrifice, as it has been called, of the mass. The hour and + the place rendered the sound fearfully solemn, and, bold as he was, the + knight withdrew himself into the farther nook of the chapel, at the end + opposite to the altar, in order to observe, without interruption, the + consequences of this unexpected signal. + </p> + <p> + He did not wait long ere the silken curtain was again withdrawn, and the + relic again presented to his view. As he sunk reverentially on his knee, + he heard the sound of the lauds, or earliest office of the Catholic + Church, sung by female voices, which united together in the performance as + they had done in the former service. The knight was soon aware that the + voices were no longer stationary in the distance, but approached the + chapel and became louder, when a door, imperceptible when closed, like + that by which he had himself entered, opened on the other side of the + vault, and gave the tones of the choir more room to swell along the ribbed + arches of the roof. + </p> + <p> + The knight fixed his eyes on the opening with breathless anxiety, and, + continuing to kneel in the attitude of devotion which the place and scene + required, expected the consequence of these preparations. A procession + appeared about to issue from the door. First, four beautiful boys, whose + arms, necks, and legs were bare, showing the bronze complexion of the + East, and contrasting with the snow-white tunics which they wore, entered + the chapel by two and two. The first pair bore censers, which they swung + from side to side, adding double fragrance to the odours with which the + chapel already was impregnated. The second pair scattered flowers. + </p> + <p> + After these followed, in due and majestic order, the females who composed + the choir—six, who from their black scapularies, and black veils + over their white garments, appeared to be professed nuns of the order of + Mount Carmel; and as many whose veils, being white, argued them to be + novices, or occasional inhabitants in the cloister, who were not as yet + bound to it by vows. The former held in their hands large rosaries, while + the younger and lighter figures who followed carried each a chaplet of red + and white roses. They moved in procession around the chapel, without + appearing to take the slightest notice of Kenneth, although passing so + near him that their robes almost touched him, while they continued to + sing. The knight doubted not that he was in one of those cloisters where + the noble Christian maidens had formerly openly devoted themselves to the + services of the church. Most of them had been suppressed since the + Mohammedans had reconquered Palestine, but many, purchasing connivance by + presents, or receiving it from the clemency or contempt of the victors, + still continued to observe in private the ritual to which their vows had + consecrated them. Yet, though Kenneth knew this to be the case, the + solemnity of the place and hour, the surprise at the sudden appearance of + these votaresses, and the visionary manner in which they moved past him, + had such influence on his imagination that he could scarce conceive that + the fair procession which he beheld was formed of creatures of this world, + so much did they resemble a choir of supernatural beings, rendering homage + to the universal object of adoration. + </p> + <p> + Such was the knight's first idea, as the procession passed him, scarce + moving, save just sufficiently to continue their progress; so that, seen + by the shadowy and religious light which the lamps shed through the clouds + of incense which darkened the apartment, they appeared rather to glide + than to walk. + </p> + <p> + But as a second time, in surrounding the chapel, they passed the spot on + which he kneeled, one of the white-stoled maidens, as she glided by him, + detached from the chaplet which she carried a rosebud, which dropped from + her fingers, perhaps unconsciously, on the foot of Sir Kenneth. The knight + started as if a dart had suddenly struck his person; for, when the mind is + wound up to a high pitch of feeling and expectation, the slightest + incident, if unexpected, gives fire to the train which imagination has + already laid. But he suppressed his emotion, recollecting how easily an + incident so indifferent might have happened, and that it was only the + uniform monotony of the movement of the choristers which made the incident + in the slightest degree remarkable. + </p> + <p> + Still, while the procession, for the third time, surrounded the chapel, + the thoughts and the eyes of Kenneth followed exclusively the one among + the novices who had dropped the rosebud. Her step, her face, her form were + so completely assimilated to the rest of the choristers that it was + impossible to perceive the least marks of individuality; and yet Kenneth's + heart throbbed like a bird that would burst from its cage, as if to assure + him, by its sympathetic suggestions, that the female who held the right + file on the second rank of the novices was dearer to him, not only than + all the rest that were present, but than the whole sex besides. The + romantic passion of love, as it was cherished, and indeed enjoined, by the + rules of chivalry, associated well with the no less romantic feelings of + devotion; and they might be said much more to enhance than to counteract + each other. It was, therefore, with a glow of expectation that had + something even of a religious character that Sir Kenneth, his sensations + thrilling from his heart to the ends of his fingers, expected some second + sign of the presence of one who, he strongly fancied, had already bestowed + on him the first. Short as the space was during which the procession again + completed a third perambulation of the chapel, it seemed an eternity to + Kenneth. At length the form which he had watched with such devoted + attention drew nigh. There was no difference betwixt that shrouded figure + and the others, with whom it moved in concert and in unison, until, just + as she passed for the third time the kneeling Crusader, a part of a little + and well-proportioned hand, so beautifully formed as to give the highest + idea of the perfect proportions of the form to which it belonged, stole + through the folds of the gauze, like a moonbeam through the fleecy cloud + of a summer night, and again a rosebud lay at the feet of the Knight of + the Leopard. + </p> + <p> + This second intimation could not be accidental—-it could not be + fortuitous, the resemblance of that half-seen but beautiful female hand + with one which his lips had once touched, and, while they touched it, had + internally sworn allegiance to the lovely owner. Had further proof been + wanting, there was the glimmer of that matchless ruby ring on that + snow-white finger, whose invaluable worth Kenneth would yet have prized + less than the slightest sign which that finger could have made; and, + veiled too, as she was, he might see, by chance or by favour, a stray curl + of the dark tresses, each hair of which was dearer to him a hundred times + than a chain of massive gold. It was the lady of his love! But that she + should be here—in the savage and sequestered desert—among + vestals, who rendered themselves habitants of wilds and of caverns, that + they might perform in secret those Christian rites which they dared not + assist in openly; that this should be so, in truth and in reality, seemed + too incredible—it must be a dream—a delusive trance of the + imagination. While these thoughts passed through the mind of Kenneth, the + same passage, by which the procession had entered the chapel, received + them on their return. The young sacristans, the sable nuns, vanished + successively through the open door. At length she from whom he had + received this double intimation passed also; yet, in passing, turned her + head, slightly indeed, but perceptibly, towards the place where he + remained fixed as an image. He marked the last wave of her veil—it + was gone—and a darkness sunk upon his soul, scarce less palpable + than that which almost immediately enveloped his external sense; for the + last chorister had no sooner crossed the threshold of the door than it + shut with a loud sound, and at the same instant the voices of the choir + were silent, the lights of the chapel were at once extinguished, and Sir + Kenneth remained solitary and in total darkness. But to Kenneth, solitude, + and darkness, and the uncertainty of his mysterious situation were as + nothing—he thought not of them—cared not for them—cared + for nought in the world save the flitting vision which had just glided + past him, and the tokens of her favour which she had bestowed. To grope on + the floor for the buds which she had dropped—to press them to his + lips, to his bosom, now alternately, now together—to rivet his lips + to the cold stones on which, as near as he could judge, she had so lately + stepped—to play all the extravagances which strong affection + suggests and vindicates to those who yield themselves up to it, were but + the tokens of passionate love common to all ages. But it was peculiar to + the times of chivalry that, in his wildest rapture, the knight imagined of + no attempt to follow or to trace the object of such romantic attachment; + that he thought of her as of a deity, who, having deigned to show herself + for an instant to her devoted worshipper, had again returned to the + darkness of her sanctuary—or as an influential planet, which, having + darted in some auspicious minute one favourable ray, wrapped itself again + in its veil of mist. The motions of the lady of his love were to him those + of a superior being, who was to move without watch or control, rejoice him + by her appearance, or depress him by her absence, animate him by her + kindness, or drive him to despair by her cruelty—all at her own free + will, and without other importunity or remonstrance than that expressed by + the most devoted services of the heart and sword of the champion, whose + sole object in life was to fulfil her commands, and, by the splendour of + his own achievements, to exalt her fame. + </p> + <p> + Such were the rules of chivalry, and of the love which was its ruling + principle. But Sir Kenneth's attachment was rendered romantic by other and + still more peculiar circumstances. He had never even heard the sound of + his lady's voice, though he had often beheld her beauty with rapture. She + moved in a circle which his rank of knighthood permitted him indeed to + approach, but not to mingle with; and highly as he stood distinguished for + warlike skill and enterprise, still the poor Scottish soldier was + compelled to worship his divinity at a distance almost as great as divides + the Persian from the sun which he adores. But when was the pride of woman + too lofty to overlook the passionate devotion of a lover, however inferior + in degree? Her eye had been on him in the tournament, her ear had heard + his praises in the report of the battles which were daily fought; and + while count, duke, and lord contended for her grace, it flowed, + unwillingly perhaps at first, or even unconsciously, towards the poor + Knight of the Leopard, who, to support his rank, had little besides his + sword. When she looked, and when she listened, the lady saw and heard + enough to encourage her in a partiality which had at first crept on her + unawares. If a knight's personal beauty was praised, even the most prudish + dames of the military court of England would make an exception in favour + of the Scottish Kenneth; and it oftentimes happened that, notwithstanding + the very considerable largesses which princes and peers bestowed on the + minstrels, an impartial spirit of independence would seize the poet, and + the harp was swept to the heroism of one who had neither palfreys nor + garments to bestow in guerdon of his applause. + </p> + <p> + The moments when she listened to the praises of her lover became gradually + more and more dear to the high-born Edith, relieving the flattery with + which her ear was weary, and presenting to her a subject of secret + contemplation, more worthy, as he seemed by general report, than those who + surpassed him in rank and in the gifts of fortune. As her attention became + constantly, though cautiously, fixed on Sir Kenneth, she grew more and + more convinced of his personal devotion to herself and more and more + certain in her mind that in Kenneth of Scotland she beheld the fated + knight doomed to share with her through weal and woe—and the + prospect looked gloomy and dangerous—the passionate attachment to + which the poets of the age ascribed such universal dominion, and which its + manners and morals placed nearly on the same rank with devotion itself. + </p> + <p> + Let us not disguise the truth from our readers. When Edith became aware of + the state of her own sentiments, chivalrous as were her sentiments, + becoming a maiden not distant from the throne of England—gratified + as her pride must have been with the mute though unceasing homage rendered + to her by the knight whom she had distinguished, there were moments when + the feelings of the woman, loving and beloved, murmured against the + restraints of state and form by which she was surrounded, and when she + almost blamed the timidity of her lover, who seemed resolved not to + infringe them. The etiquette, to use a modern phrase, of birth and rank, + had drawn around her a magical circle, beyond which Sir Kenneth might + indeed bow and gaze, but within which he could no more pass than an evoked + spirit can transgress the boundaries prescribed by the rod of a powerful + enchanter. The thought involuntarily pressed on her that she herself must + venture, were it but the point of her fairy foot, beyond the prescribed + boundary, if she ever hoped to give a lover so reserved and bashful an + opportunity of so slight a favour as but to salute her shoe-tie. There was + an example—the noted precedent of the “King's daughter of Hungary,” + who thus generously encouraged the “squire of low degree;” and Edith, + though of kingly blood, was no king's daughter, any more than her lover + was of low degree—fortune had put no such extreme barrier in + obstacle to their affections. Something, however, within the maiden's + bosom—that modest pride which throws fetters even on love itself + forbade her, notwithstanding the superiority of her condition, to make + those advances, which, in every case, delicacy assigns to the other sex; + above all, Sir Kenneth was a knight so gentle and honourable, so highly + accomplished, as her imagination at least suggested, together with the + strictest feelings of what was due to himself and to her, that however + constrained her attitude might be while receiving his adorations, like the + image of some deity, who is neither supposed to feel nor to reply to the + homage of its votaries, still the idol feared that to step prematurely + from her pedestal would be to degrade herself in the eyes of her devoted + worshipper. + </p> + <p> + Yet the devout adorer of an actual idol can even discover signs of + approbation in the rigid and immovable features of a marble image; and it + is no wonder that something, which could be as favourably interpreted, + glanced from the bright eye of the lovely Edith, whose beauty, indeed, + consisted rather more in that very power of expression, than an absolute + regularity of contour or brilliancy of complexion. Some slight marks of + distinction had escaped from her, notwithstanding her own jealous + vigilance, else how could Sir Kenneth have so readily and so undoubtingly + recognized the lovely hand, of which scarce two fingers were visible from + under the veil, or how could he have rested so thoroughly assured that two + flowers, successively dropped on the spot, were intended as a recognition + on the part of his lady-love? By what train of observation—by what + secret signs, looks, or gestures—by what instinctive freemasonry of + love, this degree of intelligence came to subsist between Edith and her + lover, we cannot attempt to trace; for we are old, and such slight + vestiges of affection, quickly discovered by younger eyes, defy the power + of ours. Enough that such affection did subsist between parties who had + never even spoken to one another—though, on the side of Edith, it + was checked by a deep sense of the difficulties and dangers which must + necessarily attend the further progress of their attachment; and upon that + of the knight by a thousand doubts and fears lest he had overestimated the + slight tokens of the lady's notice, varied, as they necessarily were, by + long intervals of apparent coldness, during which either the fear of + exciting the observation of others, and thus drawing danger upon her + lover, or that of sinking in his esteem by seeming too willing to be won, + made her behave with indifference, and as if unobservant of his presence. + </p> + <p> + This narrative, tedious perhaps, but which the story renders necessary, + may serve to explain the state of intelligence, if it deserves so strong a + name, betwixt the lovers, when Edith's unexpected appearance in the chapel + produced so powerful an effect on the feelings of her knight. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Their necromantic forms in vain + Haunt us on the tented plain; + We bid these spectre shapes avaunt, + Ashtaroth and Termagaunt. WARTON. +</pre> + <p> + The most profound silence, the deepest darkness, continued to brood for + more than an hour over the chapel in which we left the Knight of the + Leopard still kneeling, alternately expressing thanks to Heaven and + gratitude to his lady for the boon which had been vouchsafed to him. His + own safety, his own destiny, for which he was at all times little anxious, + had not now the weight of a grain of dust in his reflections. He was in + the neighbourhood of Lady Edith; he had received tokens of her grace; he + was in a place hallowed by relics of the most awful sanctity. A Christian + soldier, a devoted lover, could fear nothing, think of nothing, but his + duty to Heaven and his devoir to his lady. + </p> + <p> + At the lapse of the space of time which we have noticed, a shrill whistle, + like that with which a falconer calls his hawk, was heard to ring sharply + through the vaulted chapel. It was a sound ill suited to the place, and + reminded Sir Kenneth how necessary it was he should be upon his guard. He + started from his knee, and laid his hand upon his poniard. A creaking + sound, as of a screw or pulleys, succeeded, and a light streaming upwards, + as from an opening in the floor, showed that a trap-door had been raised + or depressed. In less than a minute a long, skinny arm, partly naked, + partly clothed in a sleeve of red samite, arose out of the aperture, + holding a lamp as high as it could stretch upwards, and the figure to + which the arm belonged ascended step by step to the level of the chapel + floor. The form and face of the being who thus presented himself were + those of a frightful dwarf, with a large head, a cap fantastically adorned + with three peacock feathers, a dress of red samite, the richness of which + rendered his ugliness more conspicuous, distinguished by gold bracelets + and armlets, and a white silk sash, in which he wore a gold-hilted dagger. + This singular figure had in his left hand a kind of broom. So soon as he + had stepped from the aperture through which he arose, he stood still, and, + as if to show himself more distinctly, moved the lamp which he held slowly + over his face and person, successively illuminating his wild and fantastic + features, and his misshapen but nervous limbs. Though disproportioned in + person, the dwarf was not so distorted as to argue any want of strength or + activity. While Sir Kenneth gazed on this disagreeable object, the popular + creed occurred to his remembrance concerning the gnomes or earthly spirits + which make their abode in the caverns of the earth; and so much did this + figure correspond with ideas he had formed of their appearance, that he + looked on it with disgust, mingled not indeed with fear, but that sort of + awe which the presence of a supernatural creature may infuse into the most + steady bosom. + </p> + <p> + The dwarf again whistled, and summoned from beneath a companion. This + second figure ascended in the same manner as the first; but it was a + female arm in this second instance which upheld the lamp from the + subterranean vault out of which these presentments arose, and it was a + female form, much resembling the first in shape and proportions, which + slowly emerged from the floor. Her dress was also of red samite, + fantastically cut and flounced, as if she had been dressed for some + exhibition of mimes or jugglers; and with the same minuteness which her + predecessor had exhibited, she passed the lamp over her face and person, + which seemed to rival the male's in ugliness. But with all this most + unfavourable exterior, there was one trait in the features of both which + argued alertness and intelligence in the most uncommon degree. This arose + from the brilliancy of their eyes, which, deep-set beneath black and + shaggy brows, gleamed with a lustre which, like that in the eye of the + toad, seemed to make some amends for the extreme ugliness of countenance + and person. + </p> + <p> + Sir Kenneth remained as if spellbound, while this unlovely pair, moving + round the chapel close to each other, appeared to perform the duty of + sweeping it, like menials; but as they used only one hand, the floor was + not much benefited by the exercise, which they plied with such oddity of + gestures and manner as befitted their bizarre and fantastic appearance. + When they approached near to the knight in the course of their occupation, + they ceased to use their brooms; and placing themselves side by side, + directly opposite to Sir Kenneth, they again slowly shifted the lights + which they held, so as to allow him distinctly to survey features which + were not rendered more agreeable by being brought nearer, and to observe + the extreme quickness and keenness with which their black and glittering + eyes flashed back the light of the lamps. They then turned the gleam of + both lights upon the knight, and having accurately surveyed him, turned + their faces to each other, and set up a loud, yelling laugh, which + resounded in his ears. The sound was so ghastly that Sir Kenneth started + at hearing it, and hastily demanded, in the name of God, who they were who + profaned that holy place with such antic gestures and elritch + exclamations. + </p> + <p> + “I am the dwarf Nectabanus,” said the abortion-seeming male, in a voice + corresponding to his figure, and resembling the voice of the night-crow + more than any sound which is heard by daylight. + </p> + <p> + “And I am Guenevra, his lady and his love,” replied the female, in tones + which, being shriller, were yet wilder than those of her companion. + </p> + <p> + “Wherefore are you here?” again demanded the knight, scarcely yet assured + that they were human beings which he saw before him. + </p> + <p> + “I am,” replied the male dwarf, with much assumed gravity and dignity, + “the twelfth Imaum. I am Mohammed Mohadi, the guide and the conductor of + the faithful. A hundred horses stand ready saddled for me and my train at + the Holy City, and as many at the City of Refuge. I am he who shall bear + witness, and this is one of my houris.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou liest!” answered the female, interrupting her companion, in tones + yet shriller than his own; “I am none of thy houris, and thou art no such + infidel trash as the Mohammed of whom thou speakest. May my curse rest + upon his coffin! I tell thee, thou ass of Issachar, thou art King Arthur + of Britain, whom the fairies stole away from the field of Avalon; and I am + Dame Guenevra, famed for her beauty.” + </p> + <p> + “But in truth, noble sir,” said the male, “we are distressed princes, + dwelling under the wing of King Guy of Jerusalem, until he was driven out + from his own nest by the foul infidels—Heaven's bolts consume them!” + </p> + <p> + “Hush,” said a voice from the side upon which the knight had entered—“hush, + fools, and begone; your ministry is ended.” + </p> + <p> + The dwarfs had no sooner heard the command than, gibbering in discordant + whispers to each other, they blew out their lights at once, and left the + knight in utter darkness, which, when the pattering of their retiring feet + had died away, was soon accompanied by its fittest companion, total + silence. + </p> + <p> + The knight felt the departure of these unfortunate creatures a relief. He + could not, from their language, manners, and appearance, doubt that they + belonged to the degraded class of beings whom deformity of person and + weakness of intellect recommended to the painful situation of appendages + to great families, where their personal appearance and imbecility were + food for merriment to the household. Superior in no respect to the ideas + and manners of his time, the Scottish knight might, at another period, + have been much amused by the mummery of these poor effigies of humanity; + but now their appearance, gesticulations, and language broke the train of + deep and solemn feeling with which he was impressed, and he rejoiced in + the disappearance of the unhappy objects. + </p> + <p> + A few minutes after they had retired, the door at which he had entered + opened slowly, and remaining ajar, discovered a faint light arising from a + lantern placed upon the threshold. Its doubtful and wavering gleam showed + a dark form reclined beside the entrance, but without its precincts, + which, on approaching it more nearly, he recognized to be the hermit, + crouching in the same humble posture in which he had at first laid himself + down, and which, doubtless, he had retained during the whole time of his + guest's continuing in the chapel. + </p> + <p> + “All is over,” said the hermit, as he heard the knight approaching, “and + the most wretched of earthly sinners, with him who should think himself + most honoured and most happy among the race of humanity, must retire from + this place. Take the light, and guide me down the descent, for I must not + uncover my eyes until I am far from this hallowed spot.” + </p> + <p> + The Scottish knight obeyed in silence, for a solemn and yet ecstatic sense + of what he had seen had silenced even the eager workings of curiosity. He + led the way, with considerable accuracy, through the various secret + passages and stairs by which they had ascended, until at length they found + themselves in the outward cell of the hermit's cavern. + </p> + <p> + “The condemned criminal is restored to his dungeon, reprieved from one + miserable day to another, until his awful Judge shall at length appoint + the well-deserved sentence to be carried into execution.” + </p> + <p> + As the hermit spoke these words, he laid aside the veil with which his + eyes had been bound, and looked at it with a suppressed and hollow sigh. + No sooner had he restored it to the crypt from which he had caused the + Scot to bring it, than he said hastily and sternly to his companion; + “Begone, begone—to rest, to rest. You may sleep—you can sleep—I + neither can nor may.” + </p> + <p> + Respecting the profound agitation with which this was spoken, the knight + retired into the inner cell; but casting back his eye as he left the + exterior grotto, he beheld the anchorite stripping his shoulders with + frantic haste of their shaggy mantle, and ere he could shut the frail door + which separated the two compartments of the cavern, he heard the clang of + the scourge and the groans of the penitent under his self-inflicted + penance. A cold shudder came over the knight as he reflected what could be + the foulness of the sin, what the depth of the remorse, which, apparently, + such severe penance could neither cleanse nor assuage. He told his beads + devoutly, and flung himself on his rude couch, after a glance at the still + sleeping Moslem, and, wearied by the various scenes of the day and the + night, soon slept as sound as infancy. Upon his awaking in the morning, he + held certain conferences with the hermit upon matters of importance, and + the result of their intercourse induced him to remain for two days longer + in the grotto. He was regular, as became a pilgrim, in his devotional + exercises, but was not again admitted to the chapel in which he had seen + such wonders. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Now change the scene—and let the trumpets sound, + For we must rouse the lion from his lair. OLD PLAY. +</pre> + <p> + The scene must change, as our programme has announced, from the mountain + wilderness of Jordan to the camp of King Richard of England, then + stationed betwixt Jean d'Acre and Ascalon, and containing that army with + which he of the lion heart had promised himself a triumphant march to + Jerusalem, and in which he would probably have succeeded, if not hindered + by the jealousies of the Christian princes engaged in the same enterprise, + and the offence taken by them at the uncurbed haughtiness of the English + monarch, and Richard's unveiled contempt for his brother sovereigns, who, + his equals in rank, were yet far his inferiors in courage, hardihood, and + military talents. Such discords, and particularly those betwixt Richard + and Philip of France, created disputes and obstacles which impeded every + active measure proposed by the heroic though impetuous Richard, while the + ranks of the Crusaders were daily thinned, not only by the desertion of + individuals, but of entire bands, headed by their respective feudal + leaders, who withdrew from a contest in which they had ceased to hope for + success. + </p> + <p> + The effects of the climate became, as usual, fatal to soldiers from the + north, and the more so that the dissolute license of the Crusaders, + forming a singular contrast to the principles and purpose of their taking + up arms, rendered them more easy victims to the insalubrious influence of + burning heat and chilling dews. To these discouraging causes of loss was + to be added the sword of the enemy. Saladin, than whom no greater name is + recorded in Eastern history, had learned, to his fatal experience, that + his light-armed followers were little able to meet in close encounter with + the iron-clad Franks, and had been taught, at the same time, to apprehend + and dread the adventurous character of his antagonist Richard. But if his + armies were more than once routed with great slaughter, his numbers gave + the Saracen the advantage in those lighter skirmishes, of which many were + inevitable. + </p> + <p> + As the army of his assailants decreased, the enterprises of the Sultan + became more numerous and more bold in this species of petty warfare. The + camp of the Crusaders was surrounded, and almost besieged, by clouds of + light cavalry, resembling swarms of wasps, easily crushed when they are + once grasped, but furnished with wings to elude superior strength, and + stings to inflict harm and mischief. There was perpetual warfare of posts + and foragers, in which many valuable lives were lost, without any + corresponding object being gained; convoys were intercepted, and + communications were cut off. The Crusaders had to purchase the means of + sustaining life, by life itself; and water, like that of the well of + Bethlehem, longed for by King David, one of its ancient monarchs, was + then, as before, only obtained by the expenditure of blood. + </p> + <p> + These evils were in a great measure counterbalanced by the stern + resolution and restless activity of King Richard, who, with some of his + best knights, was ever on horseback, ready to repair to any point where + danger occurred, and often not only bringing unexpected succour to the + Christians, but discomfiting the infidels when they seemed most secure of + victory. But even the iron frame of Coeur de Lion could not support + without injury the alternations of the unwholesome climate, joined to + ceaseless exertions of body and mind. He became afflicted with one of + those slow and wasting fevers peculiar to Asia, and in despite of his + great strength and still greater courage, grew first unfit to mount on + horseback, and then unable to attend the councils of war which were from + time to time held by the Crusaders. It was difficult to say whether this + state of personal inactivity was rendered more galling or more endurable + to the English monarch by the resolution of the council to engage in a + truce of thirty days with the Sultan Saladin; for on the one hand, if he + was incensed at the delay which this interposed to the progress of the + great enterprise, he was, on the other, somewhat consoled by knowing that + others were not acquiring laurels while he remained inactive upon a + sick-bed. + </p> + <p> + That, however, which Coeur de Lion could least excuse was the general + inactivity which prevailed in the camp of the Crusaders so soon as his + illness assumed a serious aspect; and the reports which he extracted from + his unwilling attendants gave him to understand that the hopes of the host + had abated in proportion to his illness, and that the interval of truce + was employed, not in recruiting their numbers, reanimating their courage, + fostering their spirit of conquest, and preparing for a speedy and + determined advance upon the Holy City, which was the object of their + expedition, but in securing the camp occupied by their diminished + followers with trenches, palisades, and other fortifications, as if + preparing rather to repel an attack from a powerful enemy so soon as + hostilities should recommence, than to assume the proud character of + conquerors and assailants. + </p> + <p> + The English king chafed under these reports, like the imprisoned lion + viewing his prey from the iron barriers of his cage. Naturally rash and + impetuous, the irritability of his temper preyed on itself. He was dreaded + by his attendants and even the medical assistants feared to assume the + necessary authority which a physician, to do justice to his patient, must + needs exercise over him. One faithful baron, who, perhaps, from the + congenial nature of his disposition, was devoutly attached to the King's + person, dared alone to come between the dragon and his wrath, and quietly, + but firmly, maintained a control which no other dared assume over the + dangerous invalid, and which Thomas de Multon only exercised because he + esteemed his sovereign's life and honour more than he did the degree of + favour which he might lose, or even the risk which he might incur, in + nursing a patient so intractable, and whose displeasure was so perilous. + </p> + <p> + Sir Thomas was the Lord of Gilsland, in Cumberland, and in an age when + surnames and titles were not distinctly attached, as now, to the + individuals who bore them, he was called by the Normans the Lord de Vaux; + and in English by the Saxons, who clung to their native language, and were + proud of the share of Saxon blood in this renowned warrior's veins, he was + termed Thomas, or, more familiarly, Thom of the Gills, or Narrow Valleys, + from which his extensive domains derived their well-known appellation. + </p> + <p> + This chief had been exercised in almost all the wars, whether waged + betwixt England and Scotland, or amongst the various domestic factions + which then tore the former country asunder, and in all had been + distinguished, as well from his military conduct as his personal prowess. + He was, in other respects, a rude soldier, blunt and careless in his + bearing, and taciturn—nay, almost sullen—in his habits of + society, and seeming, at least, to disclaim all knowledge of policy and of + courtly art. There were men, however, who pretended to look deeply into + character, who asserted that the Lord de Vaux was not less shrewd and + aspiring than he was blunt and bold, and who thought that, while he + assimilated himself to the king's own character of blunt hardihood, it + was, in some degree at least, with an eye to establish his favour, and to + gratify his own hopes of deep-laid ambition. But no one cared to thwart + his schemes, if such he had, by rivalling him in the dangerous occupation + of daily attendance on the sick-bed of a patient whose disease was + pronounced infectious, and more especially when it was remembered that the + patient was Coeur de Lion, suffering under all the furious impatience of a + soldier withheld from battle, and a sovereign sequestered from authority; + and the common soldiers, at least in the English army, were generally of + opinion that De Vaux attended on the King like comrade upon comrade, in + the honest and disinterested frankness of military friendship contracted + between the partakers of daily dangers. + </p> + <p> + It was on the decline of a Syrian day that Richard lay on his couch of + sickness, loathing it as much in mind as his illness made it irksome to + his body. His bright blue eye, which at all times shone with uncommon + keenness and splendour, had its vivacity augmented by fever and mental + impatience, and glanced from among his curled and unshorn locks of yellow + hair as fitfully and as vividly as the last gleams of the sun shoot + through the clouds of an approaching thunderstorm, which still, however, + are gilded by its beams. His manly features showed the progress of wasting + illness, and his beard, neglected and untrimmed, had overgrown both lips + and chin. Casting himself from side to side, now clutching towards him the + coverings, which at the next moment he flung as impatiently from him, his + tossed couch and impatient gestures showed at once the energy and the + reckless impatience of a disposition whose natural sphere was that of the + most active exertion. + </p> + <p> + Beside his couch stood Thomas de Vaux, in face, attitude, and manner the + strongest possible contrast to the suffering monarch. His stature + approached the gigantic, and his hair in thickness might have resembled + that of Samson, though only after the Israelitish champion's locks had + passed under the shears of the Philistines, for those of De Vaux were cut + short, that they might be enclosed under his helmet. The light of his + broad, large hazel eye resembled that of the autumn morn; and it was only + perturbed for a moment, when from time to time it was attracted by + Richard's vehement marks of agitation and restlessness. His features, + though massive like his person, might have been handsome before they were + defaced with scars; his upper lip, after the fashion of the Normans, was + covered with thick moustaches, which grew so long and luxuriantly as to + mingle with his hair, and, like his hair, were dark brown, slightly + brindled with grey. His frame seemed of that kind which most readily + defies both toil and climate, for he was thin-flanked, broad-chested, + long-armed, deep-breathed, and strong-limbed. He had not laid aside his + buff-coat, which displayed the cross cut on the shoulder, for more than + three nights, enjoying but such momentary repose as the warder of a sick + monarch's couch might by snatches indulge. This Baron rarely changed his + posture, except to administer to Richard the medicine or refreshments + which none of his less favoured attendants could persuade the impatient + monarch to take; and there was something affecting in the kindly yet + awkward manner in which he discharged offices so strangely contrasted with + his blunt and soldierly habits and manners. + </p> + <p> + The pavilion in which these personages were, had, as became the time, as + well as the personal character of Richard, more of a warlike than a + sumptuous or royal character. Weapons offensive and defensive, several of + them of strange and newly-invented construction, were scattered about the + tented apartment, or disposed upon the pillars which supported it. Skins + of animals slain in the chase were stretched on the ground, or extended + along the sides of the pavilion; and upon a heap of these silvan spoils + lay three ALANS, as they were then called (wolf-greyhounds, that is), of + the largest size, and as white as snow. Their faces, marked with many a + scar from clutch and fang, showed their share in collecting the trophies + upon which they reposed; and their eyes, fixed from time to time with an + expressive stretch and yawn upon the bed of Richard, evinced how much they + marvelled at and regretted the unwonted inactivity which they were + compelled to share. These were but the accompaniments of the soldier and + huntsman; but on a small table close by the bed was placed a shield of + wrought steel, of triangular form, bearing the three lions passant first + assumed by the chivalrous monarch, and before it the golden circlet, + resembling much a ducal coronet, only that it was higher in front than + behind, which, with the purple velvet and embroidered tiara that lined it, + formed then the emblem of England's sovereignty. Beside it, as if prompt + for defending the regal symbol, lay a mighty curtal-axe, which would have + wearied the arm of any other than Coeur de Lion. + </p> + <p> + In an outer partition of the pavilion waited two or three officers of the + royal household, depressed, anxious for their master's health, and not + less so for their own safety, in case of his decease. Their gloomy + apprehensions spread themselves to the warders without, who paced about in + downcast and silent contemplation, or, resting on their halberds, stood + motionless on their post, rather like armed trophies than living warriors. + </p> + <p> + “So thou hast no better news to bring me from without, Sir Thomas!” said + the King, after a long and perturbed silence, spent in the feverish + agitation which we have endeavoured to describe. “All our knights turned + women, and our ladies become devotees, and neither a spark of valour nor + of gallantry to enlighten a camp which contains the choicest of Europe's + chivalry—ha!” + </p> + <p> + “The truce, my lord,” said De Vaux, with the same patience with which he + had twenty times repeated the explanation—“the truce prevents us + bearing ourselves as men of action; and for the ladies, I am no great + reveller, as is well known to your Majesty, and seldom exchange steel and + buff for velvet and gold—but thus far I know, that our choicest + beauties are waiting upon the Queen's Majesty and the Princess, to a + pilgrimage to the convent of Engaddi, to accomplish their vows for your + Highness's deliverance from this trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “And is it thus,” said Richard, with the impatience of indisposition, + “that royal matrons and maidens should risk themselves, where the dogs who + defile the land have as little truth to man as they have faith towards + God?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, my lord,” said De Vaux, “they have Saladin's word for their safety.” + </p> + <p> + “True, true!” replied Richard; “and I did the heathen Soldan injustice—I + owe him reparation for it. Would God I were but fit to offer it him upon + my body between the two hosts—Christendom and heathenesse both + looking on!” + </p> + <p> + As Richard spoke, he thrust his right arm out of bed naked to the + shoulder, and painfully raising himself in his couch, shook his clenched + hand, as if it grasped sword or battle-axe, and was then brandished over + the jewelled turban of the Soldan. It was not without a gentle degree of + violence, which the King would scarce have endured from another, that De + Vaux, in his character of sick-nurse, compelled his royal master to + replace himself in the couch, and covered his sinewy arm, neck, and + shoulders with the care which a mother bestows upon an impatient child. + </p> + <p> + “Thou art a rough nurse, though a willing one, De Vaux,” said the King, + laughing with a bitter expression, while he submitted to the strength + which he was unable to resist; “methinks a coif would become thy lowering + features as well as a child's biggin would beseem mine. We should be a + babe and nurse to frighten girls with.” + </p> + <p> + “We have frightened men in our time, my liege,” said De Vaux; “and, I + trust, may live to frighten them again. What is a fever-fit, that we + should not endure it patiently, in order to get rid of it easily?” + </p> + <p> + “Fever-fit!” exclaimed Richard impetuously; “thou mayest think, and + justly, that it is a fever-fit with me; but what is it with all the other + Christian princes—with Philip of France, with that dull Austrian, + with him of Montserrat, with the Hospitallers, with the Templars—what + is it with all them? I will tell thee. It is a cold palsy, a dead + lethargy, a disease that deprives them of speech and action, a canker that + has eaten into the heart of all that is noble, and chivalrous, and + virtuous among them—that has made them false to the noblest vow ever + knights were sworn to—has made them indifferent to their fame, and + forgetful of their God!” + </p> + <p> + “For the love of Heaven, my liege,” said De Vaux, “take it less violently—you + will be heard without doors, where such speeches are but too current + already among the common soldiery, and engender discord and contention in + the Christian host. Bethink you that your illness mars the mainspring of + their enterprise; a mangonel will work without screw and lever better than + the Christian host without King Richard.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou flatterest me, De Vaux,” said Richard, and not insensible to the + power of praise, he reclined his head on the pillow with a more deliberate + attempt to repose than he had yet exhibited. But Thomas de Vaux was no + courtier; the phrase which had offered had risen spontaneously to his + lips, and he knew not how to pursue the pleasing theme so as to soothe and + prolong the vein which he had excited. He was silent, therefore, until, + relapsing into his moody contemplations, the King demanded of him sharply, + “Despardieux! This is smoothly said to soothe a sick man; but does a + league of monarchs, an assemblage or nobles, a convocation of all the + chivalry of Europe, droop with the sickness of one man, though he chances + to be King of England? Why should Richard's illness, or Richard's death, + check the march of thirty thousand men as brave as himself? When the + master stag is struck down, the herd do not disperse upon his fall; when + the falcon strikes the leading crane, another takes the guidance of the + phalanx. Why do not the powers assemble and choose some one to whom they + may entrust the guidance of the host?” + </p> + <p> + “Forsooth, and if it please your Majesty,” said De Vaux, “I hear + consultations have been held among the royal leaders for some such + purpose.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha!” exclaimed Richard, his jealousy awakened, giving his mental + irritation another direction, “am I forgot by my allies ere I have taken + the last sacrament? Do they hold me dead already? But no, no, they are + right. And whom do they select as leader of the Christian host?” + </p> + <p> + “Rank and dignity,” said De Vaux, “point to the King of France.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, ay,” answered the English monarch, “Philip of France and Navarre—Denis + Mountjoie—his most Christian Majesty! Mouth-filling words these! + There is but one risk—that he might mistake the words EN ARRIERE for + EN AVANT, and lead us back to Paris, instead of marching to Jerusalem. His + politic head has learned by this time that there is more to be gotten by + oppressing his feudatories, and pillaging his allies, than fighting with + the Turks for the Holy Sepulchre.” + </p> + <p> + “They might choose the Archduke of Austria,” said De Vaux. + </p> + <p> + “What! because he is big and burly like thyself, Thomas—nearly as + thick-headed, but without thy indifference to danger and carelessness of + offence? I tell thee that Austria has in all that mass of flesh no bolder + animation than is afforded by the peevishness of a wasp and the courage of + a wren. Out upon him! He a leader of chivalry to deeds of glory! Give him + a flagon of Rhenish to drink with his besmirched baaren-hauters and + lance-knechts.” + </p> + <p> + “There is the Grand Master of the Templars,” continued the baron, not + sorry to keep his master's attention engaged on other topics than his own + illness, though at the expense of the characters of prince and potentate. + “There is the Grand Master of the Templars,” he continued, “undaunted, + skilful, brave in battle, and sage in council, having no separate kingdoms + of his own to divert his exertions from the recovery of the Holy Land—what + thinks your Majesty of the Master as a general leader of the Christian + host?” + </p> + <p> + “Ha, Beau-Seant?” answered the King. “Oh, no exception can be taken to + Brother Giles Amaury; he understands the ordering of a battle, and the + fighting in front when it begins. But, Sir Thomas, were it fair to take + the Holy Land from the heathen Saladin, so full of all the virtues which + may distinguish unchristened man, and give it to Giles Amaury, a worse + pagan than himself, an idolater, a devil-worshipper, a necromancer, who + practises crimes the most dark and unnatural in the vaults and secret + places of abomination and darkness?” + </p> + <p> + “The Grand Master of the Hospitallers of St. John of Jerusalem is not + tainted by fame, either with heresy or magic,” said Thomas de Vaux. + </p> + <p> + “But is he not a sordid miser?” said Richard hastily; “has he not been + suspected—ay, more than suspected—of selling to the infidels + those advantages which they would never have won by fair force? Tush, man, + better give the army to be made merchandise of by Venetian skippers and + Lombardy pedlars, than trust it to the Grand Master of St. John.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, I will venture but another guess,” said the Baron de Vaux. + “What say you to the gallant Marquis of Montserrat, so wise, so elegant, + such a good man-at-arms?” + </p> + <p> + “Wise?—cunning, you would say,” replied Richard; “elegant in a + lady's chamber, if you will. Oh, ay, Conrade of Montserrat—who knows + not the popinjay? Politic and versatile, he will change you his purposes + as often as the trimmings of his doublet, and you shall never be able to + guess the hue of his inmost vestments from their outward colours. A + man-at-arms? Ay, a fine figure on horseback, and can bear him well in the + tilt-yard, and at the barriers, when swords are blunted at point and edge, + and spears are tipped with trenchers of wood instead of steel pikes. Wert + thou not with me when I said to that same gay Marquis, 'Here we be, three + good Christians, and on yonder plain there pricks a band of some + threescore Saracens—what say you to charge them briskly? There are + but twenty unbelieving miscreants to each true knight.” + </p> + <p> + “I recollect the Marquis replied,” said De Vaux, “that his limbs were of + flesh, not of iron, and that he would rather bear the heart of a man than + of a beast, though that beast were the lion, But I see how it is—we + shall end where we began, without hope of praying at the Sepulchre until + Heaven shall restore King Richard to health.” + </p> + <p> + At this grave remark Richard burst out into a hearty fit of laughter, the + first which he had for some time indulged in. “Why what a thing is + conscience,” he said, “that through its means even such a thick-witted + northern lord as thou canst bring thy sovereign to confess his folly! It + is true that, did they not propose themselves as fit to hold my + leading-staff, little should I care for plucking the silken trappings off + the puppets thou hast shown me in succession. What concerns it me what + fine tinsel robes they swagger in, unless when they are named as rivals in + the glorious enterprise to which I have vowed myself? Yes, De Vaux, I + confess my weakness, and the wilfulness of my ambition. The Christian camp + contains, doubtless, many a better knight than Richard of England, and it + would be wise and worthy to assign to the best of them the leading of the + host. But,” continued the warlike monarch, raising himself in his bed, and + shaking the cover from his head, while his eyes sparkled as they were wont + to do on the eve of battle, “were such a knight to plant the banner of the + Cross on the Temple of Jerusalem while I was unable to bear my share in + the noble task, he should, so soon as I was fit to lay lance in rest, + undergo my challenge to mortal combat, for having diminished my fame, and + pressed in before to the object of my enterprise. But hark, what trumpets + are those at a distance?” + </p> + <p> + “Those of King Philip, as I guess, my liege,” said the stout Englishman. + </p> + <p> + “Thou art dull of ear, Thomas,” said the King, endeavouring to start up; + “hearest thou not that clash and clang? By Heaven, the Turks are in the + camp—I hear their LELIES.” [The war-cries of the Moslemah.] + </p> + <p> + He again endeavoured to get out of bed, and De Vaux was obliged to + exercise his own great strength, and also to summon the assistance of the + chamberlains from the inner tent, to restrain him. + </p> + <p> + “Thou art a false traitor, De Vaux,” said the incensed monarch, when, + breathless and exhausted with struggling, he was compelled to submit to + superior strength, and to repose in quiet on his couch. “I would I were—I + would I were but strong enough to dash thy brains out with my battle-axe!” + </p> + <p> + “I would you had the strength, my liege,” said De Vaux, “and would even + take the risk of its being so employed. The odds would be great in favour + of Christendom were Thomas Multon dead and Coeur de Lion himself again.” + </p> + <p> + “Mine honest faithful servant,” said Richard, extending his hand, which + the baron reverentially saluted, “forgive thy master's impatience of mood. + It is this burning fever which chides thee, and not thy kind master, + Richard of England. But go, I prithee, and bring me word what strangers + are in the camp, for these sounds are not of Christendom.” + </p> + <p> + De Vaux left the pavilion on the errand assigned, and in his absence, + which he had resolved should be brief, he charged the chamberlains, pages, + and attendants to redouble their attention on their sovereign, with + threats of holding them to responsibility, which rather added to than + diminished their timid anxiety in the discharge of their duty; for next, + perhaps, to the ire of the monarch himself, they dreaded that of the stern + and inexorable Lord of Gilsland. [Sir Thomas Multon of Gilsland.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + There never was a time on the march parts yet, + When Scottish with English met, + But it was marvel if the red blood ran not + As the rain does in the street. + —BATTLE OF OTTERBOURNE. +</pre> + <p> + A considerable band of Scottish warriors had joined the Crusaders, and had + naturally placed themselves under the command of the English monarch, + being, like his native troops, most of them of Saxon and Norman descent, + speaking the same languages, possessed, some of them, of English as well + as Scottish demesnes, and allied in some cases by blood and intermarriage. + The period also preceded that when the grasping ambition of Edward I. gave + a deadly and envenomed character to the wars betwixt the two nations—the + English fighting for the subjugation of Scotland, and the Scottish, with + all the stern determination and obstinacy which has ever characterized + their nation, for the defence of their independence, by the most violent + means, under the most disadvantageous circumstances, and at the most + extreme hazard. As yet, wars betwixt the two nations, though fierce and + frequent, had been conducted on principles of fair hostility, and admitted + of those softening shades by which courtesy and the respect for open and + generous foemen qualify and mitigate the horrors of war. In time of peace, + therefore, and especially when both, as at present, were engaged in war, + waged in behalf of a common cause, and rendered dear to them by their + ideas of religion, the adventurers of both countries frequently fought + side by side, their national emulation serving only to stimulate them to + excel each other in their efforts against the common enemy. + </p> + <p> + The frank and martial character of Richard, who made no distinction + betwixt his own subjects and those of William of Scotland, excepting as + they bore themselves in the field of battle, tended much to conciliate the + troops of both nations. But upon his illness, and the disadvantageous + circumstances in which the Crusaders were placed, the national disunion + between the various bands united in the Crusade, began to display itself, + just as old wounds break out afresh in the human body when under the + influence of disease or debility. + </p> + <p> + The Scottish and English, equally jealous and high-spirited, and apt to + take offence—the former the more so, because the poorer and the + weaker nation—began to fill up by internal dissension the period + when the truce forbade them to wreak their united vengeance on the + Saracens. Like the contending Roman chiefs of old, the Scottish would + admit no superiority, and their southern neighbours would brook no + equality. There were charges and recriminations, and both the common + soldiery and their leaders and commanders, who had been good comrades in + time of victory, lowered on each other in the period of adversity, as if + their union had not been then more essential than ever, not only to the + success of their common cause, but to their joint safety. The same + disunion had begun to show itself betwixt the French and English, the + Italians and the Germans, and even between the Danes and Swedes; but it is + only that which divided the two nations whom one island bred, and who + seemed more animated against each other for the very reason, that our + narrative is principally concerned with. + </p> + <p> + Of all the English nobles who had followed their King to Palestine, De + Vaux was most prejudiced against the Scottish. They were his near + neighbours, with whom he had been engaged during his whole life in private + or public warfare, and on whom he had inflicted many calamities, while he + had sustained at their hands not a few. His love and devotion to the King + was like the vivid affection of the old English mastiff to his master, + leaving him churlish and inaccessible to all others even towards those to + whom he was indifferent—and rough and dangerous to any against whom + he entertained a prejudice. De Vaux had never observed without jealousy + and displeasure his King exhibit any mark of courtesy or favour to the + wicked, deceitful, and ferocious race born on the other side of a river, + or an imaginary line drawn through waste and wilderness; and he even + doubted the success of a Crusade in which they were suffered to bear arms, + holding them in his secret soul little better than the Saracens whom he + came to combat. It may be added that, as being himself a blunt and + downright Englishman, unaccustomed to conceal the slightest movement + either of love or of dislike, he accounted the fair-spoken courtesy which + the Scots had learned, either from imitation of their frequent allies, the + French, or which might have arisen from their own proud and reserved + character, as a false and astucious mark of the most dangerous designs + against their neighbours, over whom he believed, with genuine English + confidence, they could, by fair manhood, never obtain any advantage. + </p> + <p> + Yet, though De Vaux entertained these sentiments concerning his Northern + neighbours, and extended them, with little mitigation, even to such as had + assumed the Cross, his respect for the King, and a sense of the duty + imposed by his vow as a Crusader, prevented him from displaying them + otherwise than by regularly shunning all intercourse with his Scottish + brethren-at-arms as far as possible, by observing a sullen taciturnity + when compelled to meet them occasionally, and by looking scornfully upon + them when they encountered on the march and in camp. The Scottish barons + and knights were not men to bear his scorn unobserved or unreplied to; and + it came to that pass that he was regarded as the determined and active + enemy of a nation, whom, after all, he only disliked, and in some sort + despised. Nay, it was remarked by close observers that, if he had not + towards them the charity of Scripture, which suffereth long, and judges + kindly, he was by no means deficient in the subordinate and limited + virtue, which alleviates and relieves the wants of others. The wealth of + Thomas of Gilsland procured supplies of provisions and medicines, and some + of these usually flowed by secret channels into the quarters of the + Scottish—his surly benevolence proceeding on the principle that, + next to a man's friend, his foe was of most importance to him, passing + over all the intermediate relations as too indifferent to merit even a + thought. This explanation is necessary, in order that the reader may fully + understand what we are now to detail. + </p> + <p> + Thomas de Vaux had not made many steps beyond the entrance of the royal + pavilion when he was aware of what the far more acute ear of the English + monarch—no mean proficient in the art of minstrelsy—had + instantly discovered, that the musical strains, namely, which had reached + their ears, were produced by the pipes, shalms, and kettle-drums of the + Saracens; and at the bottom of an avenue of tents, which formed a broad + access to the pavilion of Richard, he could see a crowd of idle soldiers + assembled around the spot from which the music was heard, almost in the + centre of the camp; and he saw, with great surprise, mingled amid the + helmets of various forms worn by the Crusaders of different nations, white + turbans and long pikes, announcing the presence of armed Saracens, and the + huge deformed heads of several camels or dromedaries, overlooking the + multitude by aid of their long, disproportioned necks. + </p> + <p> + Wondering, and displeased at a sight so unexpected and singular—for + it was customary to leave all flags of truce and other communications from + the enemy at an appointed place without the barriers—the baron + looked eagerly round for some one of whom he might inquire the cause of + this alarming novelty. + </p> + <p> + The first person whom he met advancing to him he set down at once, by his + grave and haughty step, as a Spaniard or a Scot; and presently after + muttered to himself, “And a Scot it is—he of the Leopard. I have + seen him fight indifferently well, for one of his country.” + </p> + <p> + Loath to ask even a passing question, he was about to pass Sir Kenneth, + with that sullen and lowering port which seems to say, “I know thee, but I + will hold no communication with thee.” But his purpose was defeated by the + Northern Knight, who moved forward directly to him, and accosting him with + formal courtesy, said, “My Lord de Vaux of Gilsland, I have in charge to + speak with you.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha!” returned the English baron, “with me? But say your pleasure, so it + be shortly spoken—I am on the King's errand.” + </p> + <p> + “Mine touches King Richard yet more nearly,” answered Sir Kenneth; “I + bring him, I trust, health.” + </p> + <p> + The Lord of Gilsland measured the Scot with incredulous eyes, and replied, + “Thou art no leech, I think, Sir Scot; I had as soon thought of your + bringing the King of England wealth.” + </p> + <p> + Sir Kenneth, though displeased with the manner of the baron's reply, + answered calmly, “Health to Richard is glory and wealth to Christendom.—But + my time presses; I pray you, may I see the King?” + </p> + <p> + “Surely not, fair sir,” said the baron, “until your errand be told more + distinctly. The sick chambers of princes open not to all who inquire, like + a northern hostelry.” + </p> + <p> + “My lord,” said Kenneth, “the cross which I wear in common with yourself, + and the importance of what I have to tell, must, for the present, cause me + to pass over a bearing which else I were unapt to endure. In plain + language, then, I bring with me a Moorish physician, who undertakes to + work a cure on King Richard.” + </p> + <p> + “A Moorish physician!” said De Vaux; “and who will warrant that he brings + not poisons instead of remedies?” + </p> + <p> + “His own life, my lord—his head, which he offers as a guarantee.” + </p> + <p> + “I have known many a resolute ruffian,” said De Vaux, “who valued his own + life as little as it deserved, and would troop to the gallows as merrily + as if the hangman were his partner in a dance.” + </p> + <p> + “But thus it is, my lord,” replied the Scot. “Saladin, to whom none will + deny the credit of a generous and valiant enemy, hath sent this leech + hither with an honourable retinue and guard, befitting the high estimation + in which El Hakim [The Physician] is held by the Soldan, and with fruits + and refreshments for the King's private chamber, and such message as may + pass betwixt honourable enemies, praying him to be recovered of his fever, + that he may be the fitter to receive a visit from the Soldan, with his + naked scimitar in his hand, and a hundred thousand cavaliers at his back. + Will it please you, who are of the King's secret council, to cause these + camels to be discharged of their burdens, and some order taken as to the + reception of the learned physician?” + </p> + <p> + “Wonderful!” said De Vaux, as speaking to himself.—“And who will + vouch for the honour of Saladin, in a case when bad faith would rid him at + once of his most powerful adversary?” + </p> + <p> + “I myself,” replied Sir Kenneth, “will be his guarantee, with honour, + life, and fortune.” + </p> + <p> + “Strange!” again ejaculated De Vaux; “the North vouches for the South—the + Scot for the Turk! May I crave of you, Sir Knight, how you became + concerned in this affair?” + </p> + <p> + “I have been absent on a pilgrimage, in the course of which,” replied Sir + Kenneth “I had a message to discharge towards the holy hermit of Engaddi.” + </p> + <p> + “May I not be entrusted with it, Sir Kenneth, and with the answer of the + holy man?” + </p> + <p> + “It may not be, my lord,” answered the Scot. + </p> + <p> + “I am of the secret council of England,” said the Englishman haughtily. + </p> + <p> + “To which land I owe no allegiance,” said Kenneth. “Though I have + voluntarily followed in this war the personal fortunes of England's + sovereign, I was dispatched by the General Council of the kings, princes, + and supreme leaders of the army of the Blessed Cross, and to them only I + render my errand.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha! sayest thou?” said the proud Baron de Vaux. “But know, messenger of + the kings and princes as thou mayest be, no leech shall approach the + sick-bed of Richard of England without the consent of him of Gilsland; and + they will come on evil errand who dare to intrude themselves against it.” + </p> + <p> + He was turning loftily away, when the Scot, placing himself closer, and + more opposite to him, asked, in a calm voice, yet not without expressing + his share of pride, whether the Lord of Gilsland esteemed him a gentleman + and a good knight. + </p> + <p> + “All Scots are ennobled by their birthright,” answered Thomas de Vaux, + something ironically; but sensible of his own injustice, and perceiving + that Kenneth's colour rose, he added, “For a good knight it were sin to + doubt you, in one at least who has seen you well and bravely discharge + your devoir.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then,” said the Scottish knight, satisfied with the frankness of + the last admission, “and let me swear to you, Thomas of Gilsland, that, as + I am true Scottish man, which I hold a privilege equal to my ancient + gentry, and as sure as I am a belted knight, and come hither to acquire + LOS [Los—laus, praise, or renown] and fame in this mortal life, and + forgiveness of my sins in that which is to come—so truly, and by the + blessed Cross which I wear, do I protest unto you that I desire but the + safety of Richard Coeur de Lion, in recommending the ministry of this + Moslem physician.” + </p> + <p> + The Englishman was struck with the solemnity of the obtestation, and + answered with more cordiality than he had yet exhibited, “Tell me, Sir + Knight of the Leopard, granting (which I do not doubt) that thou art + thyself satisfied in this matter, shall I do well, in a land where the art + of poisoning is as general as that of cooking, to bring this unknown + physician to practise with his drugs on a health so valuable to + Christendom?” + </p> + <p> + “My lord,” replied the Scot, “thus only can I reply—that my squire, + the only one of my retinue whom war and disease had left in attendance on + me, has been of late suffering dangerously under this same fever, which, + in valiant King Richard, has disabled the principal limb of our holy + enterprise. This leech, this El Hakim, hath ministered remedies to him not + two hours since, and already he hath fallen into a refreshing sleep. That + he can cure the disorder, which has proved so fatal, I nothing doubt; that + he hath the purpose to do it is, I think, warranted by his mission from + the royal Soldan, who is true-hearted and loyal, so far as a blinded + infidel may be called so; and for his eventual success, the certainty of + reward in case of succeeding, and punishment in case of voluntary failure, + may be a sufficient guarantee.” + </p> + <p> + The Englishman listened with downcast looks, as one who doubted, yet was + not unwilling to receive conviction. At length he looked up and said, “May + I see your sick squire, fair sir?” + </p> + <p> + The Scottish knight hesitated and coloured, yet answered at last, + “Willingly, my Lord of Gilsland. But you must remember, when you see my + poor quarter, that the nobles and knights of Scotland feed not so high, + sleep not so soft, and care not for the magnificence of lodgment which is + Proper to their southern neighbours. I am POORLY lodged, my Lord of + Gilsland,” he added, with a haughty emphasis on the word, while, with some + unwillingness, he led the way to his temporary place of abode. + </p> + <p> + Whatever were the prejudices of De Vaux against the nation of his new + acquaintance, and though we undertake not to deny that some of these were + excited by its proverbial poverty, he had too much nobleness of + disposition to enjoy the mortification of a brave individual thus + compelled to make known wants which his pride would gladly have concealed. + </p> + <p> + “Shame to the soldier of the Cross,” he said, “who thinks of worldly + splendour, or of luxurious accommodation, when pressing forward to the + conquest of the Holy City. Fare as hard as we may, we shall yet be better + than the host of martyrs and of saints, who, having trod these scenes + before us, now hold golden lamps and evergreen palms.” + </p> + <p> + This was the most metaphorical speech which Thomas of Gilsland was ever + known to utter, the rather, perhaps (as will sometimes happen), that it + did not entirely express his own sentiments, being somewhat a lover of + good cheer and splendid accommodation. By this time they reached the place + of the camp where the Knight of the Leopard had assumed his abode. + </p> + <p> + Appearances here did indeed promise no breach of the laws of + mortification, to which the Crusaders, according to the opinion expressed + by him of Gilsland, ought to subject themselves. A space of ground, large + enough to accommodate perhaps thirty tents, according to the Crusaders' + rules of castrametation, was partly vacant—because, in ostentation, + the knight had demanded ground to the extent of his original retinue—partly + occupied by a few miserable huts, hastily constructed of boughs, and + covered with palm-leaves. These habitations seemed entirely deserted, and + several of them were ruinous. The central hut, which represented the + pavilion of the leader, was distinguished by his swallow-tailed pennon, + placed on the point of a spear, from which its long folds dropped + motionless to the ground, as if sickening under the scorching rays of the + Asiatic sun. But no pages or squires—not even a solitary warder—was + placed by the emblem of feudal power and knightly degree. If its + reputation defended it not from insult, it had no other guard. + </p> + <p> + Sir Kenneth cast a melancholy look around him, but suppressing his + feelings, entered the hut, making a sign to the Baron of Gilsland to + follow. He also cast around a glance of examination, which implied pity + not altogether unmingled with contempt, to which, perhaps, it is as nearly + akin as it is said to be to love. He then stooped his lofty crest, and + entered a lowly hut, which his bulky form seemed almost entirely to fill. + </p> + <p> + The interior of the hut was chiefly occupied by two beds. One was empty, + but composed of collected leaves, and spread with an antelope's hide. It + seemed, from the articles of armour laid beside it, and from a crucifix of + silver, carefully and reverentially disposed at the head, to be the couch + of the knight himself. The other contained the invalid, of whom Sir + Kenneth had spoken, a strong-built and harsh-featured man, past, as his + looks betokened, the middle age of life. His couch was trimmed more softly + than his master's, and it was plain that the more courtly garments of the + latter, the loose robe in which the knights showed themselves on pacific + occasions, and the other little spare articles of dress and adornment, had + been applied by Sir Kenneth to the accommodation of his sick domestic. In + an outward part of the hut, which yet was within the range of the English + baron's eye, a boy, rudely attired with buskins of deer's hide, a blue cap + or bonnet, and a doublet, whose original finery was much tarnished, sat on + his knees by a chafing-dish filled with charcoal, cooking upon a plate of + iron the cakes of barley-bread, which were then, and still are, a + favourite food with the Scottish people. Part of an antelope was suspended + against one of the main props of the hut. Nor was it difficult to know how + it had been procured; for a large stag greyhound, nobler in size and + appearance than those even which guarded King Richard's sick-bed, lay + eyeing the process of baking the cake. The sagacious animal, on their + first entrance, uttered a stifled growl, which sounded from his deep chest + like distant thunder. But he saw his master, and acknowledged his presence + by wagging his tail and couching his head, abstaining from more tumultuous + or noisy greeting, as if his noble instinct had taught him the propriety + of silence in a sick man's chamber. + </p> + <p> + Beside the couch sat on a cushion, also composed of skins, the Moorish + physician of whom Sir Kenneth had spoken, cross-legged, after the Eastern + fashion. The imperfect light showed little of him, save that the lower + part of his face was covered with a long, black beard, which descended + over his breast; that he wore a high TOLPACH, a Tartar cap of the lamb's + wool manufactured at Astracan, bearing the same dusky colour; and that his + ample caftan, or Turkish robe, was also of a dark hue. Two piercing eyes, + which gleamed with unusual lustre, were the only lineaments of his visage + that could be discerned amid the darkness in which he was enveloped. + </p> + <p> + The English lord stood silent with a sort of reverential awe; for + notwithstanding the roughness of his general bearing, a scene of distress + and poverty, firmly endured without complaint or murmur, would at any time + have claimed more reverence from Thomas de Vaux than would all the + splendid formalities of a royal presence-chamber, unless that + presence-chamber were King Richard's own. Nothing was for a time heard but + the heavy and regular breathings of the invalid, who seemed in profound + repose. + </p> + <p> + “He hath not slept for six nights before,” said Sir Kenneth, “as I am + assured by the youth, his attendant.” + </p> + <p> + “Noble Scot,” said Thomas de Vaux, grasping the Scottish knight's hand, + with a pressure which had more of cordiality than he permitted his words + to utter, “this gear must be amended. Your esquire is but too evil fed and + looked to.” + </p> + <p> + In the latter part of this speech he naturally raised his voice to its + usual decided tone, The sick man was disturbed in his slumbers. + </p> + <p> + “My master,” he said, murmuring as in a dream, “noble Sir Kenneth, taste + not, to you as to me, the waters of the Clyde cold and refreshing after + the brackish springs of Palestine?” + </p> + <p> + “He dreams of his native land, and is happy in his slumbers,” whispered + Sir Kenneth to De Vaux; but had scarce uttered the words, when the + physician, arising from the place which he had taken near the couch of the + sick, and laying the hand of the patient, whose pulse he had been + carefully watching, quietly upon the couch, came to the two knights, and + taking them each by the arm, while he intimated to them to remain silent, + led them to the front of the hut. + </p> + <p> + “In the name of Issa Ben Mariam,” he said, “whom we honour as you, though + not with the same blinded superstition, disturb not the effect of the + blessed medicine of which he hath partaken. To awaken him now is death or + deprivation of reason; but return at the hour when the muezzin calls from + the minaret to evening prayer in the mosque, and if left undisturbed until + then, I promise you this same Frankish soldier shall be able, without + prejudice to his health, to hold some brief converse with you on any + matters on which either, and especially his master, may have to question + him.” + </p> + <p> + The knights retreated before the authoritative commands of the leech, who + seemed fully to comprehend the importance of the Eastern proverb that the + sick chamber of the patient is the kingdom of the physician. + </p> + <p> + They paused, and remained standing together at the door of the hut—Sir + Kenneth with the air of one who expected his visitor to say farewell, and + De Vaux as if he had something on his mind which prevented him from doing + so. The hound, however, had pressed out of the tent after them, and now + thrust his long, rough countenance into the hand of his master, as if + modestly soliciting some mark of his kindness. He had no sooner received + the notice which he desired, in the shape of a kind word and slight + caress, than, eager to acknowledge his gratitude and joy for his master's + return, he flew off at full speed, galloping in full career, and with + outstretched tail, here and there, about and around, cross-ways and + endlong, through the decayed huts and the esplanade we have described, but + never transgressing those precincts which his sagacity knew were protected + by his master's pennon. After a few gambols of this kind, the dog, coming + close up to his master, laid at once aside his frolicsome mood, relapsed + into his usual gravity and slowness of gesture and deportment, and looked + as if he were ashamed that anything should have moved him to depart so far + out of his sober self-control. + </p> + <p> + Both knights looked on with pleasure; for Sir Kenneth was justly proud of + his noble hound, and the northern English baron was, of course, an admirer + of the chase, and a judge of the animal's merits. + </p> + <p> + “A right able dog,” he said. “I think, fair sir, King Richard hath not an + ALAN which may match him, if he be as stanch as he is swift. But let me + pray you—speaking in all honour and kindness—have you not + heard the proclamation that no one under the rank of earl shall keep + hunting dogs within King Richard's camp without the royal license, which, + I think, Sir Kenneth, hath not been issued to you? I speak as Master of + the Horse.” + </p> + <p> + “And I answer as a free Scottish knight,” said Kenneth sternly. “For the + present I follow the banner of England, but I cannot remember that I have + ever subjected myself to the forest-laws of that kingdom, nor have I such + respect for them as would incline me to do so. When the trumpet sounds to + arms, my foot is in the stirrup as soon as any—when it clangs for + the charge, my lance has not yet been the last laid in the rest. But for + my hours of liberty or of idleness King Richard has no title to bar my + recreation.” + </p> + <p> + “Nevertheless,” said De Vaux, “it is a folly to disobey the King's + ordinance; so, with your good leave, I, as having authority in that + matter, will send you a protection for my friend here.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank you,” said the Scot coldly; “but he knows my allotted quarters, + and within these I can protect him myself.—And yet,” he said, + suddenly changing his manner, “this is but a cold return for a well-meant + kindness. I thank you, my lord, most heartily. The King's equerries or + prickers might find Roswal at disadvantage, and do him some injury, which + I should not, perhaps, be slow in returning, and so ill might come of it. + You have seen so much of my house-keeping, my lord,” he added, with a + smile, “that I need not shame to say that Roswal is our principal + purveyor, and well I hope our Lion Richard will not be like the lion in + the minstrel fable, that went a-hunting, and kept the whole booty to + himself. I cannot think he would grudge a poor gentleman, who follows him + faithfully, his hour of sport and his morsel of game, more especially when + other food is hard enough to come by.” + </p> + <p> + “By my faith, you do the King no more than justice; and yet,” said the + baron, “there is something in these words, vert and venison, that turns + the very brains of our Norman princes.” + </p> + <p> + “We have heard of late,” said the Scot, “by minstrels and pilgrims, that + your outlawed yeomen have formed great bands in the shires of York and + Nottingham, having at their head a most stout archer, called Robin Hood, + with his lieutenant, Little John. Methinks it were better that Richard + relaxed his forest-code in England, than endeavour to enforce it in the + Holy Land.” + </p> + <p> + “Wild work, Sir Kenneth,” replied De Vaux, shrugging his shoulders, as one + who would avoid a perilous or unpleasing topic—“a mad world, sir. I + must now bid you adieu, having presently to return to the King's pavilion. + At vespers I will again, with your leave, visit your quarters, and speak + with this same infidel physician. I would, in the meantime, were it no + offence, willingly send you what would somewhat mend your cheer.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank you, sir,” said Sir Kenneth, “but it needs not. Roswal hath + already stocked my larder for two weeks, since the sun of Palestine, if it + brings diseases, serves also to dry venison.” + </p> + <p> + The two warriors parted much better friends than they had met; but ere + they separated, Thomas de Vaux informed himself at more length of the + circumstances attending the mission of the Eastern physician, and received + from the Scottish knight the credentials which he had brought to King + Richard on the part of Saladin. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + A wise physician, skilled our wounds to heal, + Is more than armies to the common weal. + POPE'S ILLIAD. +</pre> + <p> + “This is a strange tale, Sir Thomas,” said the sick monarch, when he had + heard the report of the trusty Baron of Gilsland. “Art thou sure this + Scottish man is a tall man and true?” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot say, my lord,” replied the jealous Borderer. “I live a little + too near the Scots to gather much truth among them, having found them ever + fair and false. But this man's bearing is that of a true man, were he a + devil as well as a Scot; that I must needs say for him in conscience.” + </p> + <p> + “And for his carriage as a knight, how sayest thou, De Vaux?” demanded the + King. + </p> + <p> + “It is your Majesty's business more than mine to note men's bearings; and + I warrant you have noted the manner in which this man of the Leopard hath + borne himself. He hath been full well spoken of.” + </p> + <p> + “And justly, Thomas,” said the King. “We have ourselves witnessed him. It + is indeed our purpose in placing ourselves ever in the front of battle, to + see how our liegemen and followers acquit themselves, and not from a + desire to accumulate vainglory to ourselves, as some have supposed. We + know the vanity of the praise of man, which is but a vapour, and buckle on + our armour for other purposes than to win it.” + </p> + <p> + De Vaux was alarmed when he heard the King make a declaration so + inconsistent with his nature, and believed at first that nothing short of + the approach of death could have brought him to speak in depreciating + terms of military renown, which was the very breath of his nostrils. But + recollecting he had met the royal confessor in the outer pavilion, he was + shrewd enough to place this temporary self-abasement to the effect of the + reverend man's lesson, and suffered the King to proceed without reply. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” continued Richard, “I have indeed marked the manner in which this + knight does his devoir. My leading-staff were not worth a fool's bauble + had he escaped my notice; and he had ere now tasted of our bounty, but + that I have also marked his overweening and audacious presumption.” + </p> + <p> + “My liege,” said the Baron of Gilsland, observing the King's countenance + change, “I fear I have transgressed your pleasure in lending some + countenance to his transgression.” + </p> + <p> + “How, De Multon, thou?” said the King, contracting his brows, and speaking + in a tone of angry surprise. “Thou countenance his insolence? It cannot + be.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, your Majesty will pardon me to remind you that I have by mine office + right to grant liberty to men of gentle blood to keep them a hound or two + within camp, just to cherish the noble art of venerie; and besides, it + were a sin to have maimed or harmed a thing so noble as this gentleman's + dog.” + </p> + <p> + “Has he, then, a dog so handsome?” said the King. + </p> + <p> + “A most perfect creature of Heaven,” said the baron, who was an enthusiast + in field-sports—“of the noblest Northern breed—deep in the + chest, strong in the stern—black colour, and brindled on the breast + and legs, not spotted with white, but just shaded into grey—strength + to pull down a bull, swiftness to cote an antelope.” + </p> + <p> + The King laughed at his enthusiasm. “Well, thou hast given him leave to + keep the hound, so there is an end of it. Be not, however, liberal of your + licenses among those knights adventurers who have no prince or leader to + depend upon; they are ungovernable, and leave no game in Palestine.—But + to this piece of learned heathenesse—sayest thou the Scot met him in + the desert?” + </p> + <p> + “No, my liege; the Scot's tale runs thus. He was dispatched to the old + hermit of Engaddi, of whom men talk so much—” + </p> + <p> + “'Sdeath and hell!” said Richard, starting up. “By whom dispatched, and + for what? Who dared send any one thither, when our Queen was in the + Convent of Engaddi, upon her pilgrimage for our recovery?” + </p> + <p> + “The Council of the Crusade sent him, my lord,” answered the Baron de + Vaux; “for what purpose, he declined to account to me. I think it is + scarce known in the camp that your royal consort is on a pilgrimage; and + even the princes may not have been aware, as the Queen has been + sequestered from company since your love prohibited her attendance in case + of infection.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it shall be looked into,” said Richard. “So this Scottish man, this + envoy, met with a wandering physician at the grotto of Engaddi—ha?” + </p> + <p> + “Not so my liege,” replied De Vaux? “but he met, I think, near that place, + with a Saracen Emir with whom he had some MELEE in the way of proof of + valour, and finding him worthy to bear brave men company, they went + together, as errant knights are wont, to the grotto of Engaddi.” + </p> + <p> + Here De Vaux stopped, for he was not one of those who can tell a long + story in a sentence. + </p> + <p> + “And did they there meet the physician?” demanded the King impatiently. + </p> + <p> + “No, my liege,” replied De Vaux; “but the Saracen, learning your Majesty's + grievous illness, undertook that Saladin should send his own physician to + you, and with many assurances of his eminent skill; and he came to the + grotto accordingly, after the Scottish knight had tarried a day for him + and more. He is attended as if he were a prince, with drums and atabals, + and servants on horse and foot, and brings with him letters of credence + from Saladin.” + </p> + <p> + “Have they been examined by Giacomo Loredani?” + </p> + <p> + “I showed them to the interpreter ere bringing them hither, and behold + their contents in English.” + </p> + <p> + Richard took a scroll, in which were inscribed these words: The blessing + of Allah and his Prophet Mohammed [“Out upon the hound!” said Richard, + spitting in contempt, by way of interjection], Saladin, king of kings, + Saldan of Egypt and of Syria, the light and refuge of the earth, to the + great Melech Ric, Richard of England, greeting. Whereas, we have been + informed that the hand of sickness hath been heavy upon thee, our royal + brother, and that thou hast with thee only such Nazarene and Jewish + mediciners as work without the blessing of Allah and our holy Prophet + [“Confusion on his head!” again muttered the English monarch], we have + therefore sent to tend and wait upon thee at this time the physician to + our own person, Adonbec el Hakim, before whose face the angel Azrael [The + Angel of Death.] spreads his wings and departs from the sick chamber; who + knows the virtues of herbs and stones, the path of the sun, moon, and + stars, and can save man from all that is not written on his forehead. And + this we do, praying you heartily to honour and make use of his skill; not + only that we may do service to thy worth and valour, which is the glory of + all the nations of Frangistan, but that we may bring the controversy which + is at present between us to an end, either by honourable agreement, or by + open trial thereof with our weapons, in a fair field—seeing that it + neither becomes thy place and courage to die the death of a slave who hath + been overwrought by his taskmaster, nor befits it our fame that a brave + adversary be snatched from our weapon by such a disease. And, therefore, + may the holy—” + </p> + <p> + “Hold, hold,” said Richard, “I will have no more of his dog of a prophet! + It makes me sick to think the valiant and worthy Soldan should believe in + a dead dog. Yes, I will see his physician. I will put myself into the + charge of this Hakim—I will repay the noble Soldan his generosity—I + will meet Saladin in the field, as he so worthily proposes, and he shall + have no cause to term Richard of England ungrateful. I will strike him to + the earth with my battle-axe—I will convert him to Holy Church with + such blows as he has rarely endured. He shall recant his errors before my + good cross-handled sword, and I will have him baptized on the + battle-field, from my own helmet, though the cleansing waters were mixed + with the blood of us both.—Haste, De Vaux, why dost thou delay a + conclusion so pleasing? Fetch the Hakim hither.” + </p> + <p> + “My lord,” said the baron, who perhaps saw some accession of fever in this + overflow of confidence, “bethink you, the Soldan is a pagan, and that you + are his most formidable enemy—” + </p> + <p> + “For which reason he is the more bound to do me service in this matter, + lest a paltry fever end the quarrel betwixt two such kings. I tell thee he + loves me as I love him—as noble adversaries ever love each other. By + my honour, it were sin to doubt his good faith!” + </p> + <p> + “Nevertheless, my lord, it were well to wait the issue of these medicines + upon the Scottish squire,” said the Lord of Gilsland. “My own life depends + upon it, for worthy were I to die like a dog did I proceed rashly in this + matter, and make shipwreck of the weal of Christendom.” + </p> + <p> + “I never knew thee before hesitate for fear of life,” said Richard + upbraidingly. + </p> + <p> + “Nor would I now, my liege,” replied the stout-hearted baron, “save that + yours lies at pledge as well as my own.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, thou suspicious mortal,” answered Richard, “begone then, and watch + the progress of this remedy. I could almost wish it might either cure or + kill me, for I am weary of lying here like an ox dying of the murrain, + when tambours are beating, horses stamping, and trumpets sounding + without.” + </p> + <p> + The baron hastily departed, resolved, however, to communicate his errand + to some churchman, as he felt something burdened in conscience at the idea + of his master being attended by an unbeliever. + </p> + <p> + The Archbishop of Tyre was the first to whom he confided his doubts, + knowing his interest with his master, Richard, who both loved and honoured + that sagacious prelate. The bishop heard the doubts which De Vaux stated, + with that acuteness of intelligence which distinguishes the Roman Catholic + clergy. The religious scruples of De Vaux he treated with as much + lightness as propriety permitted him to exhibit on such a subject to a + layman. + </p> + <p> + “Mediciners,” he said, “like the medicines which they employed, were often + useful, though the one were by birth or manners the vilest of humanity, as + the others are, in many cases, extracted from the basest materials. Men + may use the assistance of pagans and infidels,” he continued, “in their + need, and there is reason to think that one cause of their being permitted + to remain on earth is that they might minister to the convenience of true + Christians. Thus we lawfully make slaves of heathen captives. Again,” + proceeded the prelate, “there is no doubt that the primitive Christians + used the services of the unconverted heathen. Thus in the ship of + Alexandria, in which the blessed Apostle Paul sailed to Italy, the sailors + were doubtless pagans; yet what said the holy saint when their ministry + was needful?—'NISI HI IN NAVI MANSERINT, VOS SALVI FIERI NON + POTESTIS'—Unless these men abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved. + Again, Jews are infidels to Christianity, as well as Mohammedans. But + there are few physicians in the camp excepting Jews, and such are employed + without scandal or scruple. Therefore, Mohammedans may be used for their + service in that capacity—QUOD ERAT DEMONSTRANDUM.” + </p> + <p> + This reasoning entirely removed the scruples of Thomas de Vaux, who was + particularly moved by the Latin quotation, as he did not understand a word + of it. + </p> + <p> + But the bishop proceeded with far less fluency when he considered the + possibility of the Saracen's acting with bad faith; and here he came not + to a speedy decision. The baron showed him the letters of credence. He + read and re-read them, and compared the original with the translation. + </p> + <p> + “It is a dish choicely cooked,” he said, “to the palate of King Richard, + and I cannot but have my suspicions of the wily Saracen. They are curious + in the art of poisons, and can so temper them that they shall be weeks in + acting upon the party, during which time the perpetrator has leisure to + escape. They can impregnate cloth and leather, nay, even paper and + parchment, with the most subtle venom. Our Lady forgive me! And wherefore, + knowing this, hold I these letters of credence so close to my face? Take + them, Sir Thomas—take them speedily!” + </p> + <p> + Here he gave them at arm's-length, and with some appearance of haste, to + the baron. “But come, my Lord de Vaux,” he continued, “wend we to the tent + of this sick squire, where we shall learn whether this Hakim hath really + the art of curing which he professeth, ere we consider whether there be + safety in permitting him to exercise his art upon King Richard.—Yet, + hold! let me first take my pouncet-box, for these fevers spread like an + infection. I would advise you to use dried rosemary steeped in vinegar, my + lord. I, too, know something of the healing art.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank your reverend lordship,” replied Thomas of Gilsland; “but had I + been accessible to the fever, I had caught it long since by the bed of my + master.” + </p> + <p> + The Bishop of Tyre blushed, for he had rather avoided the presence of the + sick monarch; and he bid the baron lead on. + </p> + <p> + As they paused before the wretched hut in which Kenneth of the Leopard and + his follower abode, the bishop said to De Vaux, “Now, of a surety, my + lord, these Scottish Knights have worse care of their followers than we of + our dogs. Here is a knight, valiant, they say, in battle, and thought + fitting to be graced with charges of weight in time of truce, whose + esquire of the body is lodged worse than in the worst dog-kennel in + England. What say you of your neighbours?” + </p> + <p> + “That a master doth well enough for his servant when he lodgeth him in no + worse dwelling than his own,” said De Vaux, and entered the hut. + </p> + <p> + The bishop followed, not without evident reluctance; for though he lacked + not courage in some respects, yet it was tempered with a strong and lively + regard for his own safety. He recollected, however, the necessity there + was for judging personally of the skill of the Arabian physician, and + entered the hut with a stateliness of manner calculated, as he thought, to + impose respect on the stranger. + </p> + <p> + The prelate was, indeed, a striking and commanding figure. In his youth he + had been eminently handsome, and even in age was unwilling to appear less + so. His episcopal dress was of the richest fashion, trimmed with costly + fur, and surrounded by a cope of curious needlework. The rings on his + fingers were worth a goodly barony, and the hood which he wore, though now + unclasped and thrown back for heat, had studs of pure gold to fasten it + around his throat and under his chin when he so inclined. His long beard, + now silvered with age, descended over his breast. One of two youthful + acolytes who attended him created an artificial shade, peculiar then to + the East, by bearing over his head an umbrella of palmetto leaves, while + the other refreshed his reverend master by agitating a fan of + peacock-feathers. + </p> + <p> + When the Bishop of Tyre entered the hut of the Scottish knight, the master + was absent, and the Moorish physician, whom he had come to see, sat in the + very posture in which De Vaux had left him several hours before, + cross-legged upon a mat made of twisted leaves, by the side of the + patient, who appeared in deep slumber, and whose pulse he felt from time + to time. The bishop remained standing before him in silence for two or + three minutes, as if expecting some honourable salutation, or at least + that the Saracen would seem struck with the dignity of his appearance. But + Adonbec el Hakim took no notice of him beyond a passing glance, and when + the prelate at length saluted him in the lingua franca current in the + country, he only replied by the ordinary Oriental greeting, “SALAM ALICUM—Peace + be with you.” + </p> + <p> + “Art thou a physician, infidel?” said the bishop, somewhat mortified at + this cold reception. “I would speak with thee on that art.” + </p> + <p> + “If thou knewest aught of medicine,” answered El Hakim, “thou wouldst be + aware that physicians hold no counsel or debate in the sick chamber of + their patient. Hear,” he added, as the low growling of the staghound was + heard from the inner hut, “even the dog might teach thee reason, Ulemat. + His instinct teaches him to suppress his barking in the sick man's + hearing. Come without the tent,” said he, rising and leading the way, “if + thou hast ought to say with me.” + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding the plainness of the Saracen leech's dress, and his + inferiority of size when contrasted with the tall prelate and gigantic + English baron, there was something striking in his manner and countenance, + which prevented the Bishop of Tyre from expressing strongly the + displeasure he felt at this unceremonious rebuke. When without the hut, he + gazed upon Adonbec in silence for several minutes before he could fix on + the best manner to renew the conversation. No locks were seen under the + high bonnet of the Arabian, which hid also part of a brow that seemed + lofty and expanded, smooth, and free from wrinkles, as were his cheeks, + where they were seen under the shade of his long beard. We have elsewhere + noticed the piercing quality of his dark eyes. + </p> + <p> + The prelate, struck with his apparent youth, at length broke a pause, + which the other seemed in no haste to interrupt, by demanding of the + Arabian how old he was? + </p> + <p> + “The years of ordinary men,” said the Saracen, “are counted by their + wrinkles; those of sages by their studies. I dare not call myself older + than a hundred revolutions of the Hegira.” [Meaning that his attainments + were those which might have been made in a hundred years.] + </p> + <p> + The Baron of Gilsland, who took this for a literal assertion that he was a + century old, looked doubtfully upon the prelate, who, though he better + understood the meaning of El Hakim, answered his glance by mysteriously + shaking his head. He resumed an air of importance when he again + authoritatively demanded what evidence Adonbec could produce of his + medical proficiency. + </p> + <p> + “Ye have the word of the mighty Saladin,” said the sage, touching his cap + in sign of reverence—“a word which was never broken towards friend + or foe. What, Nazarene, wouldst thou demand more?” + </p> + <p> + “I would have ocular proof of thy skill,” said the baron, “and without it + thou approachest not to the couch of King Richard.” + </p> + <p> + “The praise of the physician,” said the Arabian, “is in the recovery of + his patient. Behold this sergeant, whose blood has been dried up by the + fever which has whitened your camp with skeletons, and against which the + art of your Nazarene leeches hath been like a silken doublet against a + lance of steel. Look at his fingers and arms, wasted like the claws and + shanks of the crane. Death had this morning his clutch on him; but had + Azrael been on one side of the couch, I being on the other, his soul + should not have been left from his body. Disturb me not with further + questions, but await the critical minute, and behold in silent wonder the + marvellous event.” + </p> + <p> + The physician had then recourse to his astrolabe, the oracle of Eastern + science, and watching with grave precision until the precise time of the + evening prayer had arrived, he sunk on his knees, with his face turned to + Mecca, and recited the petitions which close the Moslemah's day of toil. + The bishop and the English baron looked on each other, meanwhile, with + symptoms of contempt and indignation, but neither judged it fit to + interrupt El Hakim in his devotions, unholy as they considered them to be. + </p> + <p> + The Arab arose from the earth, on which he had prostrated himself, and + walking into the hut where the patient lay extended, he drew a sponge from + a small silver box, dipped perhaps in some aromatic distillation, for when + he put it to the sleeper's nose, he sneezed, awoke, and looked wildly + around. He was a ghastly spectacle as he sat up almost naked on his couch, + the bones and cartilages as visible through the surface of his skin as if + they had never been clothed with flesh. His face was long, and furrowed + with wrinkles; but his eye, though it wandered at first, became gradually + more settled. He seemed to be aware of the presence of his dignified + visitors, for he attempted feebly to pull the covering from his head in + token of reverence, as he inquired, in a subdued and submissive voice, for + his master. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know us, vassal?” said the Lord of Gilsland. + </p> + <p> + “Not perfectly, my lord,” replied the squire faintly. “My sleep has been + long and full of dreams. Yet I know that you are a great English lord, as + seemeth by the red cross, and this a holy prelate, whose blessing I crave + on me a poor sinner.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou hast it—BENEDICTIO DOMINI SIT VOBISCUM,” said the prelate, + making the sign of the cross, but without approaching nearer to the + patient's bed. + </p> + <p> + “Your eyes witness,” said the Arabian, “the fever hath been subdued. He + speaks with calmness and recollection—his pulse beats composedly as + yours—try its pulsations yourself.” + </p> + <p> + The prelate declined the experiment; but Thomas of Gilsland, more + determined on making the trial, did so, and satisfied himself that the + fever was indeed gone. + </p> + <p> + “This is most wonderful,” said the knight, looking to the bishop; “the man + is assuredly cured. I must conduct this mediciner presently to King + Richard's tent. What thinks your reverence?” + </p> + <p> + “Stay, let me finish one cure ere I commence another,” said the Arab; “I + will pass with you when I have given my patient the second cup of this + most holy elixir.” + </p> + <p> + So saying he pulled out a silver cup, and filling it with water from a + gourd which stood by the bedside, he next drew forth a small silken bag + made of network, twisted with silver, the contents of which the bystanders + could not discover, and immersing it in the cup, continued to watch it in + silence during the space of five minutes. It seemed to the spectators as + if some effervescence took place during the operation; but if so, it + instantly subsided. + </p> + <p> + “Drink,” said the physician to the sick man—“sleep, and awaken free + from malady.” + </p> + <p> + “And with this simple-seeming draught thou wilt undertake to cure a + monarch?” said the Bishop of Tyre. + </p> + <p> + “I have cured a beggar, as you may behold,” replied the sage. “Are the + Kings of Frangistan made of other clay than the meanest of their + subjects?” + </p> + <p> + “Let us have him presently to the King,” said the Baron of Gilsland. “He + hath shown that he possesses the secret which may restore his health. If + he fails to exercise it, I will put himself past the power of medicine.” + </p> + <p> + As they were about to leave the hut, the sick man, raising his voice as + much as his weakness permitted, exclaimed, “Reverend father, noble knight, + and you, kind leech, if you would have me sleep and recover, tell me in + charity what is become of my dear master?” + </p> + <p> + “He is upon a distant expedition, friend,” replied the prelate—“on + an honourable embassy, which may detain him for some days.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” said the Baron of Gilsland, “why deceive the poor fellow?—Friend, + thy master has returned to the camp, and you will presently see him.” + </p> + <p> + The invalid held up, as if in thankfulness, his wasted hands to Heaven, + and resisting no longer the soporiferous operation of the elixir, sunk + down in a gentle sleep. + </p> + <p> + “You are a better physician than I, Sir Thomas,” said the prelate—“a + soothing falsehood is fitter for a sick-room than an unpleasing truth.” + </p> + <p> + “How mean you, my reverend lord?” said De Vaux hastily. “Think you I would + tell a falsehood to save the lives of a dozen such as he?” + </p> + <p> + “You said,” replied the bishop, with manifest symptoms of alarm—“you + said the esquire's master was returned—he, I mean, of the Couchant + Leopard.” + </p> + <p> + “And he IS returned,” said De Vaux. “I spoke with him but a few hours + since. This learned leech came in his company.” + </p> + <p> + “Holy Virgin! why told you not of his return to me?” said the bishop, in + evident perturbation. + </p> + <p> + “Did I not say that this same Knight of the Leopard had returned in + company with the physician? I thought I had,” replied De Vaux carelessly. + “But what signified his return to the skill of the physician, or the cure + of his Majesty?” + </p> + <p> + “Much, Sir Thomas—it signified much,” said the bishop, clenching his + hands, pressing his foot against the earth, and giving signs of + impatience, as if in an involuntary manner. “But where can he be gone now, + this same knight? God be with us—here may be some fatal errors!” + </p> + <p> + “Yonder serf in the outer space,” said De Vaux, not without wonder at the + bishop's emotion, “can probably tell us whither his master has gone.” + </p> + <p> + The lad was summoned, and in a language nearly incomprehensible to them, + gave them at length to understand that an officer had summoned his master + to the royal tent some time before their arrival at that of his master. + The anxiety of the bishop appeared to rise to the highest, and became + evident to De Vaux, though, neither an acute observer nor of a suspicious + temper. But with his anxiety seemed to increase his wish to keep it + subdued and unobserved. He took a hasty leave of De Vaux, who looked after + him with astonishment, and after shrugging his shoulders in silent wonder, + proceeded to conduct the Arabian physician to the tent of King Richard. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + This is the prince of leeches; fever, plague, + Cold rheum, and hot podagra, do but look on him, + And quit their grasp upon the tortured sinews. + ANONYMOUS. +</pre> + <p> + The Baron of Gilsland walked with slow step and an anxious countenance + towards the royal pavilion. He had much diffidence of his own capacity, + except in a field of battle, and conscious of no very acute intellect, was + usually contented to wonder at circumstances which a man of livelier + imagination would have endeavoured to investigate and understand, or at + least would have made the subject of speculation. But it seemed very + extraordinary, even to him, that the attention of the bishop should have + been at once abstracted from all reflection on the marvellous cure which + they had witnessed, and upon the probability it afforded of Richard being + restored to health, by what seemed a very trivial piece of information + announcing the motions of a beggardly Scottish knight, than whom Thomas of + Gilsland knew nothing within the circle of gentle blood more unimportant + or contemptible; and despite his usual habit of passively beholding + passing events, the baron's spirit toiled with unwonted attempts to form + conjectures on the cause. + </p> + <p> + At length the idea occurred at once to him that the whole might be a + conspiracy against King Richard, formed within the camp of the allies, and + to which the bishop, who was by some represented as a politic and + unscrupulous person, was not unlikely to have been accessory. It was true + that, in his own opinion, there existed no character so perfect as that of + his master; for Richard being the flower of chivalry, and the chief of + Christian leaders, and obeying in all points the commands of Holy Church, + De Vaux's ideas of perfection went no further. Still, he knew that, + however unworthily, it had been always his master's fate to draw as much + reproach and dislike as honour and attachment from the display of his + great qualities; and that in the very camp, and amongst those princes + bound by oath to the Crusade, were many who would have sacrificed all hope + of victory over the Saracens to the pleasure of ruining, or at least of + humbling, Richard of England. + </p> + <p> + “Wherefore,” said the baron to himself, “it is in no sense impossible that + this El Hakim, with this his cure, or seeming cure, wrought on the body of + the Scottish squire, may mean nothing but a trick, to which he of the + Leopard may be accessory, and wherein the Bishop of Tyre, prelate as he + is, may have some share.” + </p> + <p> + This hypothesis, indeed, could not be so easily reconciled with the alarm + manifested by the bishop on learning that, contrary to his expectation, + the Scottish knight had suddenly returned to the Crusaders' camp. But De + Vaux was influenced only by his general prejudices, which dictated to him + the assured belief that a wily Italian priest, a false-hearted Scot, and + an infidel physician, formed a set of ingredients from which all evil, and + no good, was likely to be extracted. He resolved, however, to lay his + scruples bluntly before the King, of whose judgment he had nearly as high + an opinion as of his valour. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, events had taken place very contrary to the suppositions which + Thomas de Vaux had entertained. Scarce had he left the royal pavilion, + when, betwixt the impatience of the fever, and that which was natural to + his disposition, Richard began to murmur at his delay, and express an + earnest desire for his return. He had seen enough to try to reason himself + out of this irritation, which greatly increased his bodily malady. He + wearied his attendants by demanding from them amusements, and the breviary + of the priest, the romance of the clerk, even the harp of his favourite + minstrel, were had recourse to in vain. At length, some two hours before + sundown, and long, therefore, ere he could expect a satisfactory account + of the process of the cure which the Moor or Arabian had undertaken, he + sent, as we have already heard, a messenger commanding the attendance of + the Knight of the Leopard, determined to soothe his impatience by + obtaining from Sir Kenneth a more particular account of the cause of his + absence from the camp, and the circumstances of his meeting with this + celebrated physician. + </p> + <p> + The Scottish knight, thus summoned, entered the royal presence as one who + was no stranger to such scenes. He was scarcely known to the King of + England, even by sight, although, tenacious of his rank, as devout in the + adoration of the lady of his secret heart, he had never been absent on + those occasions when the munificence and hospitality of England opened the + Court of its monarch to all who held a certain rank in chivalry. The King + gazed fixedly on Sir Kenneth approaching his bedside, while the knight + bent his knee for a moment, then arose, and stood before him in a posture + of deference, but not of subservience or humility, as became an officer in + the presence of his sovereign. + </p> + <p> + “Thy name,” said the King, “is Kenneth of the Leopard—from whom + hadst thou degree of knighthood?” + </p> + <p> + “I took it from the sword of William the Lion, King of Scotland,” replied + the Scot. + </p> + <p> + “A weapon,” said the King, “well worthy to confer honour; nor has it been + laid on an undeserving shoulder. We have seen thee bear thyself knightly + and valiantly in press of battle, when most need there was; and thou hadst + not been yet to learn that thy deserts were known to us, but that thy + presumption in other points has been such that thy services can challenge + no better reward than that of pardon for thy transgression. What sayest + thou—ha?” + </p> + <p> + Kenneth attempted to speak, but was unable to express himself distinctly; + the consciousness of his too ambitious love, and the keen, falcon glance + with which Coeur de Lion seemed to penetrate his inmost soul, combining to + disconcert him. + </p> + <p> + “And yet,” said the King, “although soldiers should obey command, and + vassals be respectful towards their superiors, we might forgive a brave + knight greater offence than the keeping a simple hound, though it were + contrary to our express public ordinance.” + </p> + <p> + Richard kept his eye fixed on the Scot's face, beheld and beholding, + smiling inwardly at the relief produced by the turn he had given to his + general accusation. + </p> + <p> + “So please you, my lord,” said the Scot, “your majesty must be good to us + poor gentlemen of Scotland in this matter. We are far from home, scant of + revenues, and cannot support ourselves as your wealthy nobles, who have + credit of the Lombards. The Saracens shall feel our blows the harder that + we eat a piece of dried venison from time to time with our herbs and + barley-cakes.” + </p> + <p> + “It skills not asking my leave,” said Richard, “since Thomas de Vaux, who + doth, like all around me, that which is fittest in his own eyes, hath + already given thee permission for hunting and hawking.” + </p> + <p> + “For hunting only, and please you,” said the Scot. “But if it please your + Majesty to indulge me with the privilege of hawking also, and you list to + trust me with a falcon on fist, I trust I could supply your royal mess + with some choice waterfowl.” + </p> + <p> + “I dread me, if thou hadst but the falcon,” said the King, “thou wouldst + scarce wait for the permission. I wot well it is said abroad that we of + the line of Anjou resent offence against our forest-laws as highly as we + would do treason against our crown. To brave and worthy men, however, we + could pardon either misdemeanour.—But enough of this. I desire to + know of you, Sir Knight, wherefore, and by whose authority, you took this + recent journey to the wilderness of the Dead Sea and Engaddi?” + </p> + <p> + “By order,” replied the knight, “of the Council of Princes of the Holy + Crusade.” + </p> + <p> + “And how dared any one to give such an order, when I—not the least, + surely, in the league—was unacquainted with it?” + </p> + <p> + “It was not my part, please your highness,” said the Scot, “to inquire + into such particulars. I am a soldier of the Cross—serving, + doubtless, for the present, under your highness's banner, and proud of the + permission to do so, but still one who hath taken on him the holy symbol + for the rights of Christianity and the recovery of the Holy Sepulchre, and + bound, therefore, to obey without question the orders of the princes and + chiefs by whom the blessed enterprise is directed. That indisposition + should seclude, I trust for but a short time, your highness from their + councils, in which you hold so potential a voice, I must lament with all + Christendom; but, as a soldier, I must obey those on whom the lawful right + of command devolves, or set but an evil example in the Christian camp.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou sayest well,” said King Richard; “and the blame rests not with thee, + but with those with whom, when it shall please Heaven to raise me from + this accursed bed of pain and inactivity, I hope to reckon roundly. What + was the purport of thy message?” + </p> + <p> + “Methinks, and please your highness,” replied Sir Kenneth, “that were best + asked of those who sent me, and who can render the reasons of mine errand; + whereas I can only tell its outward form and purport.” + </p> + <p> + “Palter not with me, Sir Scot—it were ill for thy safety,” said the + irritable monarch. + </p> + <p> + “My safety, my lord,” replied the knight firmly, “I cast behind me as a + regardless thing when I vowed myself to this enterprise, looking rather to + my immortal welfare than to that which concerns my earthly body.” + </p> + <p> + “By the mass,” said King Richard, “thou art a brave fellow! Hark thee, Sir + Knight, I love the Scottish people; they are hardy, though dogged and + stubborn, and, I think, true men in the main, though the necessity of + state has sometimes constrained them to be dissemblers. I deserve some + love at their hand, for I have voluntarily done what they could not by + arms have extorted from me any more than from my predecessors, I have + re-established the fortresses of Roxburgh and Berwick, which lay in pledge + to England; I have restored your ancient boundaries; and, finally, I have + renounced a claim to homage upon the crown of England, which I thought + unjustly forced on you. I have endeavoured to make honourable and + independent friends, where former kings of England attempted only to + compel unwilling and rebellious vassals.” + </p> + <p> + “All this you have done, my Lord King,” said Sir Kenneth, bowing—“all + this you have done, by your royal treaty with our sovereign at Canterbury. + Therefore have you me, and many better Scottish men, making war against + the infidels, under your banners, who would else have been ravaging your + frontiers in England. If their numbers are now few, it is because their + lives have been freely waged and wasted.” + </p> + <p> + “I grant it true,” said the King; “and for the good offices I have done + your land I require you to remember that, as a principal member of the + Christian league, I have a right to know the negotiations of my + confederates. Do me, therefore, the justice to tell me what I have a title + to be acquainted with, and which I am certain to know more truly from you + than from others.” + </p> + <p> + “My lord,” said the Scot, “thus conjured, I will speak the truth; for I + well believe that your purposes towards the principal object of our + expedition are single-hearted and honest, and it is more than I dare + warrant for others of the Holy League. Be pleased, therefore, to know my + charge was to propose, through the medium of the hermit of Engaddi—a + holy man, respected and protected by Saladin himself—” + </p> + <p> + “A continuation of the truce, I doubt not,” said Richard, hastily + interrupting him. + </p> + <p> + “No, by Saint Andrew, my liege,” said the Scottish knight; “but the + establishment of a lasting peace, and the withdrawing our armies from + Palestine.” + </p> + <p> + “Saint George!” said Richard, in astonishment. “Ill as I have justly + thought of them, I could not have dreamed they would have humbled + themselves to such dishonour. Speak, Sir Kenneth, with what will did you + carry such a message?” + </p> + <p> + “With right good will, my lord,” said Kenneth; “because, when we had lost + our noble leader, under whose guidance alone I hoped for victory, I saw + none who could succeed him likely to lead us to conquest, and I accounted + it well in such circumstances to avoid defeat.” + </p> + <p> + “And on what conditions was this hopeful peace to be contracted?” said + King Richard, painfully suppressing the passion with which his heart was + almost bursting. + </p> + <p> + “These were not entrusted to me, my lord,” answered the Knight of the + Couchant Leopard. “I delivered them sealed to the hermit.” + </p> + <p> + “And for what hold you this reverend hermit—for fool, madman, + traitor, or saint?” said Richard. + </p> + <p> + “His folly, sire,” replied the shrewd Scottish man, “I hold to be assumed + to win favour and reverence from the Paynimrie, who regard madmen as the + inspired of Heaven—at least it seemed to me as exhibited only + occasionally, and not as mixing, like natural folly, with the general + tenor of his mind.” + </p> + <p> + “Shrewdly replied,” said the monarch, throwing himself back on his couch, + from which he had half-raised himself. “Now of his penitence?” + </p> + <p> + “His penitence,” continued Kenneth, “appears to me sincere, and the fruits + of remorse for some dreadful crime, for which he seems, in his own + opinion, condemned to reprobation.” + </p> + <p> + “And for his policy?” said King Richard. + </p> + <p> + “Methinks, my lord,” said the Scottish knight, “he despairs of the + security of Palestine, as of his own salvation, by any means short of a + miracle—at least, since the arm of Richard of England hath ceased to + strike for it.” + </p> + <p> + “And, therefore, the coward policy of this hermit is like that of these + miserable princes, who, forgetful of their knighthood and their faith, are + only resolved and determined when the question is retreat, and rather than + go forward against an armed Saracen, would trample in their flight over a + dying ally!” + </p> + <p> + “Might I so far presume, my Lord King,” said the Scottish knight, “this + discourse but heats your disease, the enemy from which Christendom dreads + more evil than from armed hosts of infidels.” + </p> + <p> + The countenance of King Richard was, indeed, more flushed, and his action + became more feverishly vehement, as, with clenched hand, extended arm, and + flashing eyes, he seemed at once to suffer under bodily pain, and at the + same time under vexation of mind, while his high spirit led him to speak + on, as if in contempt of both. + </p> + <p> + “You can flatter, Sir Knight,” he said, “but you escape me not. I must + know more from you than you have yet told me. Saw you my royal consort + when at Engaddi?” + </p> + <p> + “To my knowledge—no, my lord,” replied Sir Kenneth, with + considerable perturbation, for he remembered the midnight procession in + the chapel of the rocks. + </p> + <p> + “I ask you,” said the King, in a sterner voice, “whether you were not in + the chapel of the Carmelite nuns at Engaddi, and there saw Berengaria, + Queen of England, and the ladies of her Court, who went thither on + pilgrimage?” + </p> + <p> + “My lord,” said Sir Kenneth, “I will speak the truth as in the + confessional. In a subterranean chapel, to which the anchorite conducted + me, I beheld a choir of ladies do homage to a relic of the highest + sanctity; but as I saw not their faces, nor heard their voices, unless in + the hymns which they chanted, I cannot tell whether the Queen of England + was of the bevy.” + </p> + <p> + “And was there no one of these ladies known to you?” + </p> + <p> + Sir Kenneth stood silent. + </p> + <p> + “I ask you,” said Richard, raising himself on his elbow, “as a knight and + a gentleman—and I shall know by your answer how you value either + character—did you, or did you not, know any lady amongst that band + of worshippers?” + </p> + <p> + “My lord,” said Kenneth, not without much hesitation, “I might guess.” + </p> + <p> + “And I also may guess,” said the King, frowning sternly; “but it is + enough. Leopard as you are, Sir Knight, beware tempting the lion's paw. + Hark ye—to become enamoured of the moon would be but an act of + folly; but to leap from the battlements of a lofty tower, in the wild hope + of coming within her sphere, were self-destructive madness.” + </p> + <p> + At this moment some bustling was heard in the outer apartment, and the + King, hastily changing to his more natural manner, said, “Enough—begone—speed + to De Vaux, and send him hither with the Arabian physician. My life for + the faith of the Soldan! Would he but abjure his false law, I would aid + him with my sword to drive this scum of French and Austrians from his + dominions, and think Palestine as well ruled by him as when her kings were + anointed by the decree of Heaven itself.” + </p> + <p> + The Knight of the Leopard retired, and presently afterwards the + chamberlain announced a deputation from the Council, who had come to wait + on the Majesty of England. + </p> + <p> + “It is well they allow that I am living yet,” was his reply. “Who are the + reverend ambassadors?” + </p> + <p> + “The Grand Master of the Templars and the Marquis of Montserrat.” + </p> + <p> + “Our brother of France loves not sick-beds,” said Richard; “yet, had + Philip been ill, I had stood by his couch long since.—Jocelyn, lay + me the couch more fairly—it is tumbled like a stormy sea. Reach me + yonder steel mirror—pass a comb through my hair and beard. They + look, indeed, liker a lion's mane than a Christian man's locks. Bring + water.” + </p> + <p> + “My lord,” said the trembling chamberlain, “the leeches say that cold + water may be fatal.” + </p> + <p> + “To the foul fiend with the leeches!” replied the monarch; “if they cannot + cure me, think you I will allow them to torment me?—There, then,” he + said, after having made his ablutions, “admit the worshipful envoys; they + will now, I think, scarcely see that disease has made Richard negligent of + his person.” + </p> + <p> + The celebrated Master of the Templars was a tall, thin, war-worn man, with + a slow yet penetrating eye, and a brow on which a thousand dark intrigues + had stamped a portion of their obscurity. At the head of that singular + body, to whom their order was everything, and their individuality nothing—seeking + the advancement of its power, even at the hazard of that very religion + which the fraternity were originally associated to protect—accused + of heresy and witchcraft, although by their character Christian priests—suspected + of secret league with the Soldan, though by oath devoted to the protection + of the Holy Temple, or its recovery—the whole order, and the whole + personal character of its commander, or Grand Master, was a riddle, at the + exposition of which most men shuddered. The Grand Master was dressed in + his white robes of solemnity, and he bore the ABACUS, a mystic staff of + office, the peculiar form of which has given rise to such singular + conjectures and commentaries, leading to suspicions that this celebrated + fraternity of Christian knights were embodied under the foulest symbols of + paganism. + </p> + <p> + Conrade of Montserrat had a much more pleasing exterior than the dark and + mysterious priest-soldier by whom he was accompanied. He was a handsome + man, of middle age, or something past that term, bold in the field, + sagacious in council, gay and gallant in times of festivity; but, on the + other hand, he was generally accused of versatility, of a narrow and + selfish ambition, of a desire to extend his own principality, without + regard to the weal of the Latin kingdom of Palestine, and of seeking his + own interest, by private negotiations with Saladin, to the prejudice of + the Christian leaguers. + </p> + <p> + When the usual salutations had been made by these dignitaries, and + courteously returned by King Richard, the Marquis of Montserrat commenced + an explanation of the motives of their visit, sent, as he said they were, + by the anxious kings and princes who composed the Council of the + Crusaders, “to inquire into the health of their magnanimous ally, the + valiant King of England.” + </p> + <p> + “We know the importance in which the princes of the Council hold our + health,” replied the English King; “and are well aware how much they must + have suffered by suppressing all curiosity concerning it for fourteen + days, for fear, doubtless, of aggravating our disorder, by showing their + anxiety regarding the event.” + </p> + <p> + The flow of the Marquis's eloquence being checked, and he himself thrown + into some confusion by this reply, his more austere companion took up the + thread of the conversation, and with as much dry and brief gravity as was + consistent with the presence which he addressed, informed the King that + they came from the Council, to pray, in the name of Christendom, “that he + would not suffer his health to be tampered with by an infidel physician, + said to be dispatched by Saladin, until the Council had taken measures to + remove or confirm the suspicion which they at present conceived did attach + itself to the mission of such a person.” + </p> + <p> + “Grand Master of the Holy and Valiant Order of Knights Templars, and you, + most noble Marquis of Montserrat,” replied Richard, “if it please you to + retire into the adjoining pavilion, you shall presently see what account + we make of the tender remonstrances of our royal and princely colleagues + in this religious warfare.” + </p> + <p> + The Marquis and Grand Master retired accordingly; nor had they been many + minutes in the outward pavilion when the Eastern physician arrived, + accompanied by the Baron of Gilsland and Kenneth of Scotland. The baron, + however, was a little later of entering the tent than the other two, + stopping, perchance, to issue some orders to the warders without. + </p> + <p> + As the Arabian physician entered, he made his obeisance, after the + Oriental fashion, to the Marquis and Grand Master, whose dignity was + apparent, both from their appearance and their bearing. The Grand Master + returned the salutation with an expression of disdainful coldness, the + Marquis with the popular courtesy which he habitually practised to men of + every rank and nation. There was a pause, for the Scottish knight, waiting + for the arrival of De Vaux, presumed not, of his own authority, to enter + the tent of the King of England; and during this interval the Grand Master + sternly demanded of the Moslem, “Infidel, hast thou the courage to + practise thine art upon the person of an anointed sovereign of the + Christian host?” + </p> + <p> + “The sun of Allah,” answered the sage, “shines on the Nazarene as well as + on the true believer, and His servant dare make no distinction betwixt + them when called on to exercise the art of healing.” + </p> + <p> + “Misbelieving Hakim,” said the Grand Master, “or whatsoever they call thee + for an unbaptized slave of darkness, dost thou well know that thou shalt + be torn asunder by wild horses should King Richard die under thy charge?” + </p> + <p> + “That were hard justice,” answered the physician, “seeing that I can but + use human means, and that the issue is written in the book of light.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, reverend and valiant Grand Master,” said the Marquis of Montserrat, + “consider that this learned man is not acquainted with our Christian + order, adopted in the fear of God, and for the safety of His anointed.—Be + it known to thee, grave physician, whose skill we doubt not, that your + wisest course is to repair to the presence of the illustrious Council of + our Holy League, and there to give account and reckoning to such wise and + learned leeches as they shall nominate, concerning your means of process + and cure of this illustrious patient; so shall you escape all the danger + which, rashly taking such a high matter upon your sole answer, you may + else most likely incur.” + </p> + <p> + “My lords,” said El Hakim, “I understand you well. But knowledge hath its + champions as well as your military art—nay, hath sometimes had its + martyrs as well as religion. I have the command of my sovereign, the + Soldan Saladin, to heal this Nazarene King, and, with the blessing of the + Prophet, I will obey his commands. If I fail, ye wear swords thirsting for + the blood of the faithful, and I proffer my body to your weapons. But I + will not reason with one uncircumcised upon the virtue of the medicines of + which I have obtained knowledge through the grace of the Prophet, and I + pray you interpose no delay between me and my office.” + </p> + <p> + “Who talks of delay?” said the Baron de Vaux, hastily entering the tent; + “we have had but too much already. I salute you, my Lord of Montserrat, + and you, valiant Grand Master. But I must presently pass with this learned + physician to the bedside of my master.” + </p> + <p> + “My lord,” said the Marquis, in Norman-French, or the language of Ouie, as + it was then called, “are you well advised that we came to expostulate, on + the part of the Council of the Monarchs and Princes of the Crusade, + against the risk of permitting an infidel and Eastern physician to tamper + with a health so valuable as that of your master, King Richard?” + </p> + <p> + “Noble Lord Marquis,” replied the Englishman bluntly, “I can neither use + many words, nor do I delight in listening to them; moreover, I am much + more ready to believe what my eyes have seen than what my ears have heard. + I am satisfied that this heathen can cure the sickness of King Richard, + and I believe and trust he will labour to do so. Time is precious. If + Mohammed—may God's curse be on him! stood at the door of the tent, + with such fair purpose as this Adonbec el Hakim entertains, I would hold + it sin to delay him for a minute. So, give ye God'en, my lords.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, but,” said Conrade of Montserrat, “the King himself said we should + be present when this same physician dealt upon him.” + </p> + <p> + The baron whispered the chamberlain, probably to know whether the Marquis + spoke truly, and then replied, “My lords, if you will hold your patience, + you are welcome to enter with us; but if you interrupt, by action or + threat, this accomplished physician in his duty, be it known that, without + respect to your high quality, I will enforce your absence from Richard's + tent; for know, I am so well satisfied of the virtue of this man's + medicines, that were Richard himself to refuse them, by our Lady of + Lanercost, I think I could find in my heart to force him to take the means + of his cure whether he would or no.—Move onward, El Hakim.” + </p> + <p> + The last word was spoken in the lingua franca, and instantly obeyed by the + physician. The Grand Master looked grimly on the unceremonious old + soldier, but, on exchanging a glance with the Marquis, smoothed his + frowning brow as well as he could, and both followed De Vaux and the + Arabian into the inner tent, where Richard lay expecting them, with that + impatience with which the sick man watches the step of his physician. Sir + Kenneth, whose attendance seemed neither asked nor prohibited, felt + himself, by the circumstances in which he stood, entitled to follow these + high dignitaries; but, conscious of his inferior power and rank, remained + aloof during the scene which took place. + </p> + <p> + Richard, when they entered his apartment, immediately exclaimed, “So ho! a + goodly fellowship come to see Richard take his leap in the dark. My noble + allies, I greet you as the representatives of our assembled league; + Richard will again be amongst you in his former fashion, or ye shall bear + to the grave what is left of him.—De Vaux, lives he or dies he, thou + hast the thanks of thy prince. There is yet another—but this fever + hath wasted my eyesight. What, the bold Scot, who would climb heaven + without a ladder! He is welcome too.—Come, Sir Hakim, to the work, + to the work!” + </p> + <p> + The physician, who had already informed himself of the various symptoms of + the King's illness, now felt his pulse for a long time, and with deep + attention, while all around stood silent, and in breathless expectation. + The sage next filled a cup with spring water, and dipped into it the small + red purse, which, as formerly, he took from his bosom. When he seemed to + think it sufficiently medicated, he was about to offer it to the + sovereign, who prevented him by saying, “Hold an instant. Thou hast felt + my pulse—let me lay my finger on thine. I too, as becomes a good + knight, know something of thine art.” + </p> + <p> + The Arabian yielded his hand without hesitation, and his long, slender + dark fingers were for an instant enclosed, and almost buried, in the large + enfoldment of King Richard's hand. + </p> + <p> + “His blood beats calm as an infant's,” said the King; “so throbs not + theirs who poison princes. De Vaux, whether we live or die, dismiss this + Hakim with honour and safety.—Commend us, friend, to the noble + Saladin. Should I die, it is without doubt of his faith; should I live, it + will be to thank him as a warrior would desire to be thanked.” + </p> + <p> + He then raised himself in bed, took the cup in his hand, and turning to + the Marquis and the Grand Master—“Mark what I say, and let my royal + brethren pledge me in Cyprus wine, 'To the immortal honour of the first + Crusader who shall strike lance or sword on the gate of Jerusalem; and to + the shame and eternal infamy of whomsoever shall turn back from the plough + on which he hath laid his hand!'” + </p> + <p> + He drained the cup to the bottom, resigned it to the Arabian, and sunk + back, as if exhausted, upon the cushions which were arranged to receive + him. The physician then, with silent but expressive signs, directed that + all should leave the tent excepting himself and De Vaux, whom no + remonstrance could induce to withdraw. The apartment was cleared + accordingly. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + And now I will unclasp a secret book, + And, to your quick-conceiving discontent, + I'll read you matter deep and dangerous. + HENRY IV., PART I. +</pre> + <p> + The Marquis of Montserrat and the Grand Master of the Knights Templars + stood together in the front of the royal pavilion, within which this + singular scene had passed, and beheld a strong guard of bills and bows + drawn out to form a circle around it, and keep at distance all which might + disturb the sleeping monarch. The soldiers wore the downcast, silent, and + sullen looks with which they trail their arms at a funeral, and stepped + with such caution that you could not hear a buckler ring or a sword + clatter, though so many men in armour were moving around the tent. They + lowered their weapons in deep reverence as the dignitaries passed through + their files, but with the same profound silence. + </p> + <p> + “There is a change of cheer among these island dogs,” said the Grand + Master to Conrade, when they had passed Richard's guards. “What hoarse + tumult and revel used to be before this pavilion!—nought but + pitching the bar, hurling the ball, wrestling, roaring of songs, + clattering of wine pots, and quaffing of flagons among these burly yeomen, + as if they were holding some country wake, with a Maypole in the midst of + them instead of a royal standard.” + </p> + <p> + “Mastiffs are a faithful race,” said Conrade; “and the King their Master + has won their love by being ready to wrestle, brawl, or revel amongst the + foremost of them, whenever the humour seized him.” + </p> + <p> + “He is totally compounded of humours,” said the Grand Master. “Marked you + the pledge he gave us! instead of a prayer, over his grace-cup yonder.” + </p> + <p> + “He would have felt it a grace-cup, and a well-spiced one too,” said the + Marquis, “were Saladin like any other Turk that ever wore turban, or + turned him to Mecca at call of the muezzin. But he affects faith, and + honour, and generosity, as if it were for an unbaptized dog like him to + practise the virtuous bearing of a Christian knight. It is said he hath + applied to Richard to be admitted within the pale of chivalry.” + </p> + <p> + “By Saint Bernard!” exclaimed the Grand Master, “it were time then to + throw off our belts and spurs, Sir Conrade, deface our armorial bearings, + and renounce our burgonets, if the highest honour of Christianity were + conferred on an unchristened Turk of tenpence.” + </p> + <p> + “You rate the Soldan cheap,” replied the Marquis; “yet though he be a + likely man, I have seen a better heathen sold for forty pence at the + bagnio.” + </p> + <p> + They were now near their horses, which stood at some distance from the + royal tent, prancing among the gallant train of esquires and pages by whom + they were attended, when Conrade, after a moment's pause, proposed that + they should enjoy the coolness of the evening breeze which had arisen, + and, dismissing their steeds and attendants, walk homewards to their own + quarters through the lines of the extended Christian camp. The Grand + Master assented, and they proceeded to walk together accordingly, + avoiding, as if by mutual consent, the more inhabited parts of the canvas + city, and tracing the broad esplanade which lay between the tents and the + external defences, where they could converse in private, and unmarked, + save by the sentinels as they passed them. + </p> + <p> + They spoke for a time upon the military points and preparations for + defence; but this sort of discourse, in which neither seemed to take + interest, at length died away, and there was a long pause, which + terminated by the Marquis of Montserrat stopping short, like a man who has + formed a sudden resolution, and gazing for some moments on the dark, + inflexible countenance of the Grand Master, he at length addressed him + thus: “Might it consist with your valour and sanctity, reverend Sir Giles + Amaury, I would pray you for once to lay aside the dark visor which you + wear, and to converse with a friend barefaced.” + </p> + <p> + The Templar half smiled. + </p> + <p> + “There are light-coloured masks,” he said, “as well as dark visors, and + the one conceals the natural features as completely as the other.” + </p> + <p> + “Be it so,” said the Marquis, putting his hand to his chin, and + withdrawing it with the action of one who unmasks himself; “there lies my + disguise. And now, what think you, as touching the interests of your own + order, of the prospects of this Crusade?” + </p> + <p> + “This is tearing the veil from my thoughts rather than exposing your own,” + said the Grand Master; “yet I will reply with a parable told to me by a + santon of the desert. 'A certain farmer prayed to Heaven for rain, and + murmured when it fell not at his need. To punish his impatience, Allah,' + said the santon, 'sent the Euphrates upon his farm, and he was destroyed, + with all his possessions, even by the granting of his own wishes.'” + </p> + <p> + “Most truly spoken,” said the Marquis Conrade. “Would that the ocean had + swallowed up nineteen parts of the armaments of these Western princes! + What remained would better have served the purpose of the Christian nobles + of Palestine, the wretched remnant of the Latin kingdom of Jerusalem. Left + to ourselves, we might have bent to the storm; or, moderately supported + with money and troops, we might have compelled Saladin to respect our + valour, and grant us peace and protection on easy terms. But from the + extremity of danger with which this powerful Crusade threatens the Soldan, + we cannot suppose, should it pass over, that the Saracen will suffer any + one of us to hold possessions or principalities in Syria, far less permit + the existence of the Christian military fraternities, from whom they have + experienced so much mischief.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, but,” said the Templar, “these adventurous Crusaders may succeed, and + again plant the Cross on the bulwarks of Zion.” + </p> + <p> + “And what will that advantage either the Order of the Templars, or Conrade + of Montserrat?” said the Marquis. + </p> + <p> + “You it may advantage,” replied the Grand Master. “Conrade of Montserrat + might become Conrade King of Jerusalem.” + </p> + <p> + “That sounds like something,” said the Marquis, “and yet it rings but + hollow. Godfrey of Bouillon might well choose the crown of thorns for his + emblem. Grand Master, I will confess to you I have caught some attachment + to the Eastern form of government—a pure and simple monarchy should + consist but of king and subjects. Such is the simple and primitive + structure—a shepherd and his flock. All this internal chain of + feudal dependance is artificial and sophisticated; and I would rather hold + the baton of my poor marquisate with a firm gripe, and wield it after my + pleasure, than the sceptre of a monarch, to be in effect restrained and + curbed by the will of as many proud feudal barons as hold land under the + Assizes of Jerusalem. [The Assises de Jerusalem were the digest of feudal + law, composed by Godfrey of Boulogne, for the government of the Latin + kingdom of Palestine, when reconquered from the Saracens. “It was composed + with advice of the patriarch and barons, the clergy and laity, and is,” + says the historian Gibbon, “a precious monument of feudatory + jurisprudence, founded upon those principles of freedom which were + essential to the system.”] A king should tread freely, Grand Master, and + should not be controlled by here a ditch, and there a fence-here a feudal + privilege, and there a mail-clad baron with his sword in his hand to + maintain it. To sum the whole, I am aware that Guy de Lusignan's claims to + the throne would be preferred to mine, if Richard recovers, and has aught + to say in the choice.” + </p> + <p> + “Enough,” said the Grand Master; “thou hast indeed convinced me of thy + sincerity. Others may hold the same opinions, but few, save Conrade of + Montserrat, dared frankly avow that he desires not the restitution of the + kingdom of Jerusalem, but rather prefers being master of a portion of its + fragments—like the barbarous islanders, who labour not for the + deliverance of a goodly vessel from the billows, expecting rather to + enrich themselves at the expense of the wreck.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou wilt not betray my counsel?” said Conrade, looking sharply and + suspiciously. “Know, for certain, that my tongue shall never wrong my + head, nor my hand forsake the defence of either. Impeach me if thou wilt—I + am prepared to defend myself in the lists against the best Templar who + ever laid lance in rest.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet thou start'st somewhat suddenly for so bold a steed,” said the Grand + Master. “However, I swear to thee by the Holy Temple, which our Order is + sworn to defend, that I will keep counsel with thee as a true comrade.” + </p> + <p> + “By which Temple?” said the Marquis of Montserrat, whose love of sarcasm + often outran his policy and discretion; “swearest thou by that on the hill + of Zion, which was built by King Solomon, or by that symbolical, + emblematical edifice, which is said to be spoken of in the councils held + in the vaults of your Preceptories, as something which infers the + aggrandizement of thy valiant and venerable Order?” + </p> + <p> + The Templar scowled upon him with an eye of death, but answered calmly, + “By whatever Temple I swear, be assured, Lord Marquis, my oath is sacred. + I would I knew how to bind THEE by one of equal obligation.” + </p> + <p> + “I will swear truth to thee,” said the Marquis, laughing, “by the earl's + coronet, which I hope to convert, ere these wars are over, into something + better. It feels cold on my brow, that same slight coronal; a duke's cap + of maintenance were a better protection against such a night-breeze as now + blows, and a king's crown more preferable still, being lined with + comfortable ermine and velvet. In a word, our interests bind us together; + for think not, Lord Grand Master, that, were these allied princes to + regain Jerusalem, and place a king of their own choosing there, they would + suffer your Order, any more than my poor marquisate, to retain the + independence which we now hold. No, by Our Lady! In such case, the proud + Knights of Saint John must again spread plasters and dress plague sores in + the hospitals; and you, most puissant and venerable Knights of the Temple, + must return to your condition of simple men-at-arms, sleep three on a + pallet, and mount two upon one horse, as your present seal still expresses + to have been your ancient most simple custom.” + </p> + <p> + “The rank, privileges, and opulence of our Order prevent so much + degradation as you threaten,” said the Templar haughtily. + </p> + <p> + “These are your bane,” said Conrade of Montserrat; “and you, as well as I, + reverend Grand Master, know that, were the allied princes to be successful + in Palestine, it would be their first point of policy to abate the + independence of your Order, which, but for the protection of our holy + father the Pope, and the necessity of employing your valour in the + conquest of Palestine, you would long since have experienced. Give them + complete success, and you will be flung aside, as the splinters of a + broken lance are tossed out of the tilt-yard.” + </p> + <p> + “There may be truth in what you say,” said the Templar, darkly smiling. + “But what were our hopes should the allies withdraw their forces, and + leave Palestine in the grasp of Saladin?” + </p> + <p> + “Great and assured,” replied Conrade. “The Soldan would give large + provinces to maintain at his behest a body of well-appointed Frankish + lances. In Egypt, in Persia, a hundred such auxiliaries, joined to his own + light cavalry, would turn the battle against the most fearful odds. This + dependence would be but for a time—perhaps during the life of this + enterprising Soldan; but in the East empires arise like mushrooms. Suppose + him dead, and us strengthened with a constant succession of fiery and + adventurous spirits from Europe, what might we not hope to achieve, + uncontrolled by these monarchs, whose dignity throws us at present into + the shade—and, were they to remain here, and succeed in this + expedition, would willingly consign us for ever to degradation and + dependence?” + </p> + <p> + “You say well, my Lord Marquis,” said the Grand Master, “and your words + find an echo in my bosom. Yet must we be cautious—Philip of France + is wise as well as valiant.” + </p> + <p> + “True, and will be therefore the more easily diverted from an expedition + to which, in a moment of enthusiasm, or urged by his nobles, he rashly + bound himself. He is jealous of King Richard, his natural enemy, and longs + to return to prosecute plans of ambition nearer to Paris than Palestine. + Any fair pretence will serve him for withdrawing from a scene in which he + is aware he is wasting the force of his kingdom.” + </p> + <p> + “And the Duke of Austria?” said the Templar. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, touching the Duke,” returned Conrade, “his self-conceit and folly + lead him to the same conclusions as do Philip's policy and wisdom. He + conceives himself, God help the while, ungratefully treated, because men's + mouths—even those of his own MINNE-SINGERS [The German minstrels + were so termed.]—are filled with the praises of King Richard, whom + he fears and hates, and in whose harm he would rejoice, like those unbred, + dastardly curs, who, if the foremost of the pack is hurt by the gripe of + the wolf, are much more likely to assail the sufferer from behind than to + come to his assistance. But wherefore tell I this to thee, save to show + that I am in sincerity in desiring that this league be broken up, and the + country freed of these great monarchs with their hosts? And thou well + knowest, and hast thyself seen, how all the princes of influence and + power, one alone excepted, are eager to enter into treaty with the + Soldan.” + </p> + <p> + “I acknowledge it,” said the Templar; “he were blind that had not seen + this in their last deliberations. But lift yet thy mask an inch higher, + and tell me thy real reason for pressing upon the Council that Northern + Englishman, or Scot, or whatever you call yonder Knight of the Leopard, to + carry their proposals for a treaty?” + </p> + <p> + “There was a policy in it,” replied the Italian. “His character of native + of Britain was sufficient to meet what Saladin required, who knew him to + belong to the band of Richard; while his character of Scot, and certain + other personal grudges which I wot of, rendered it most unlikely that our + envoy should, on his return, hold any communication with the sick-bed of + Richard, to whom his presence was ever unacceptable.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, too finespun policy,” said the Grand Master; “trust me, that Italian + spiders' webs will never bind this unshorn Samson of the Isle—well + if you can do it with new cords, and those of the toughest. See you not + that the envoy whom you have selected so carefully hath brought us, in + this physician, the means of restoring the lion-hearted, bull-necked + Englishman to prosecute his Crusading enterprise. And so soon as he is + able once more to rush on, which of the princes dare hold back? They must + follow him for very shame, although they would march under the banner of + Satan as soon.” + </p> + <p> + “Be content,” said Conrade of Montserrat; “ere this physician, if he work + by anything short of miraculous agency, can accomplish Richard's cure, it + may be possible to put some open rupture betwixt the Frenchman—at + least the Austrian—and his allies of England, so that the breach + shall be irreconcilable; and Richard may arise from his bed, perhaps to + command his own native troops, but never again, by his sole energy, to + wield the force of the whole Crusade.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou art a willing archer,” said the Templar; “but, Conrade of + Montserrat, thy bow is over-slack to carry an arrow to the mark.” + </p> + <p> + He then stopped short, cast a suspicious glance to see that no one + overheard him, and taking Conrade by the hand, pressed it eagerly as he + looked the Italian in the face, and repeated slowly, “Richard arise from + his bed, sayest thou? Conrade, he must never arise!” + </p> + <p> + The Marquis of Montserrat started. “What! spoke you of Richard of England—of + Coeur de Lion—the champion of Christendom?” + </p> + <p> + His cheek turned pale and his knees trembled as he spoke. The Templar + looked at him, with his iron visage contorted into a smile of contempt. + </p> + <p> + “Knowest thou what thou look'st like, Sir Conrade, at this moment? Not + like the politic and valiant Marquis of Montserrat, not like him who would + direct the Council of Princes and determine the fate of empires—but + like a novice, who, stumbling upon a conjuration in his master's book of + gramarye, has raised the devil when he least thought of it, and now stands + terrified at the spirit which appears before him.” + </p> + <p> + “I grant you,” said Conrade, recovering himself, “that—unless some + other sure road could be discovered—thou hast hinted at that which + leads most direct to our purpose. But, blessed Mary! we shall become the + curse of all Europe, the malediction of every one, from the Pope on his + throne to the very beggar at the church gate, who, ragged and leprous, in + the last extremity of human wretchedness, shall bless himself that he is + neither Giles Amaury nor Conrade of Montserrat.” + </p> + <p> + “If thou takest it thus,” said the Grand Master, with the same composure + which characterized him all through this remarkable dialogue, “let us hold + there has nothing passed between us—that we have spoken in our sleep—have + awakened, and the vision is gone.” + </p> + <p> + “It never can depart,” answered Conrade. + </p> + <p> + “Visions of ducal crowns and kingly diadems are, indeed, somewhat + tenacious of their place in the imagination,” replied the Grand Master. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” answered Conrade, “let me but first try to break peace between + Austria and England.” + </p> + <p> + They parted. Conrade remained standing still upon the spot, and watching + the flowing white cloak of the Templar as he stalked slowly away, and + gradually disappeared amid the fast-sinking darkness of the Oriental + night. Proud, ambitious, unscrupulous, and politic, the Marquis of + Montserrat was yet not cruel by nature. He was a voluptuary and an + epicurean, and, like many who profess this character, was averse, even + upon selfish motives, from inflicting pain or witnessing acts of cruelty; + and he retained also a general sense of respect for his own reputation, + which sometimes supplies the want of the better principle by which + reputation is to be maintained. + </p> + <p> + “I have,” he said, as his eyes still watched the point at which he had + seen the last slight wave of the Templar's mantle—“I have, in truth, + raised the devil with a vengeance! Who would have thought this stern, + ascetic Grand Master, whose whole fortune and misfortune is merged in that + of his order, would be willing to do more for its advancement than I who + labour for my own interest? To check this wild Crusade was my motive, + indeed, but I durst not think on the ready mode which this determined + priest has dared to suggest. Yet it is the surest—perhaps even the + safest.” + </p> + <p> + Such were the Marquis's meditations, when his muttered soliloquy was + broken by a voice from a little distance, which proclaimed with the + emphatic tone of a herald, “Remember the Holy Sepulchre!” + </p> + <p> + The exhortation was echoed from post to post, for it was the duty of the + sentinels to raise this cry from time to time upon their periodical watch, + that the host of the Crusaders might always have in their remembrance the + purpose of their being in arms. But though Conrade was familiar with the + custom, and had heard the warning voice on all former occasions as a + matter of habit, yet it came at the present moment so strongly in contact + with his own train of thought, that it seemed a voice from Heaven warning + him against the iniquity which his heart meditated. He looked around + anxiously, as if, like the patriarch of old, though from very different + circumstances, he was expecting some ram caught in a thicket some + substitution for the sacrifice which his comrade proposed to offer, not to + the Supreme Being, but to the Moloch of their own ambition. As he looked, + the broad folds of the ensign of England, heavily distending itself to the + failing night-breeze, caught his eye. It was displayed upon an artificial + mound, nearly in the midst of the camp, which perhaps of old some Hebrew + chief or champion had chosen as a memorial of his place of rest. If so, + the name was now forgotten, and the Crusaders had christened it Saint + George's Mount, because from that commanding height the banner of England + was supereminently displayed, as if an emblem of sovereignty over the many + distinguished, noble, and even royal ensigns, which floated in lower + situations. + </p> + <p> + A quick intellect like that of Conrade catches ideas from the glance of a + moment. A single look on the standard seemed to dispel the uncertainty of + mind which had affected him. He walked to his pavilion with the hasty and + determined step of one who has adopted a plan which he is resolved to + achieve, dismissed the almost princely train who waited to attend him, + and, as he committed himself to his couch, muttered his amended + resolution, that the milder means are to be tried before the more + desperate are resorted to. + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow,” he said, “I sit at the board of the Archduke of Austria. We + will see what can be done to advance our purpose before prosecuting the + dark suggestions of this Templar.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + One thing is certain in our Northern land— + Allow that birth or valour, wealth or wit, + Give each precedence to their possessor, + Envy, that follows on such eminence, + As comes the lyme-hound on the roebuck's trace, + Shall pull them down each one. + SIR DAVID LINDSAY. +</pre> + <p> + Leopold, Grand Duke of Austria, was the first possessor of that noble + country to whom the princely rank belonged. He had been raised to the + ducal sway in the German Empire on account of his near relationship to the + Emperor, Henry the Stern, and held under his government the finest + provinces which are watered by the Danube. His character has been stained + in history on account of one action of violence and perfidy, which arose + out of these very transactions in the Holy Land; and yet the shame of + having made Richard a prisoner when he returned through his dominions; + unattended and in disguise, was not one which flowed from Leopold's + natural disposition. He was rather a weak and a vain than an ambitious or + tyrannical prince. His mental powers resembled the qualities of his + person. He was tall, strong, and handsome, with a complexion in which red + and white were strongly contrasted, and had long flowing locks of fair + hair. But there was an awkwardness in his gait which seemed as if his size + was not animated by energy sufficient to put in motion such a mass; and in + the same manner, wearing the richest dresses, it always seemed as if they + became him not. As a prince, he appeared too little familiar with his own + dignity; and being often at a loss how to assert his authority when the + occasion demanded it, he frequently thought himself obliged to recover, by + acts and expressions of ill-timed violence, the ground which might have + been easily and gracefully maintained by a little more presence of mind in + the beginning of the controversy. + </p> + <p> + Not only were these deficiencies visible to others, but the Archduke + himself could not but sometimes entertain a painful consciousness that he + was not altogether fit to maintain and assert the high rank which he had + acquired; and to this was joined the strong, and sometimes the just, + suspicion that others esteemed him lightly accordingly. + </p> + <p> + When he first joined the Crusade, with a most princely attendance, Leopold + had desired much to enjoy the friendship and intimacy of Richard, and had + made such advances towards cultivating his regard as the King of England + ought, in policy, to have received and answered. But the Archduke, though + not deficient in bravery, was so infinitely inferior to Coeur de Lion in + that ardour of mind which wooed danger as a bride, that the King very soon + held him in a certain degree of contempt. Richard, also, as a Norman + prince, a people with whom temperance was habitual, despised the + inclination of the German for the pleasures of the table, and particularly + his liberal indulgence in the use of wine. For these, and other personal + reasons, the King of England very soon looked upon the Austrian Prince + with feelings of contempt, which he was at no pains to conceal or modify, + and which, therefore, were speedily remarked, and returned with deep + hatred, by the suspicious Leopold. The discord between them was fanned by + the secret and politic arts of Philip of France, one of the most sagacious + monarchs of the time, who, dreading the fiery and overbearing character of + Richard, considering him as his natural rival, and feeling offended, + moreover, at the dictatorial manner in which he, a vassal of France for + his Continental domains, conducted himself towards his liege lord, + endeavoured to strengthen his own party, and weaken that of Richard, by + uniting the Crusading princes of inferior degree in resistance to what he + termed the usurping authority of the King of England. Such was the state + of politics and opinions entertained by the Archduke of Austria, when + Conrade of Montserrat resolved upon employing his jealousy of England as + the means of dissolving, or loosening at least, the league of the + Crusaders. + </p> + <p> + The time which he chose for his visit was noon; and the pretence, to + present the Archduke with some choice Cyprus wine which had lately fallen + into his hands, and discuss its comparative merits with those of Hungary + and of the Rhine. An intimation of his purpose was, of course, answered by + a courteous invitation to partake of the Archducal meal, and every effort + was used to render it fitting the splendour of a sovereign prince. Yet the + refined taste of the Italian saw more cumbrous profusion than elegance or + splendour in the display of provisions under which the board groaned. + </p> + <p> + The Germans, though still possessing the martial and frank character of + their ancestors—who subdued the Roman Empire—had retained + withal no slight tinge of their barbarism. The practices and principles of + chivalry were not carried to such a nice pitch amongst them as amongst the + French and English knights, nor were they strict observers of the + prescribed rules of society, which among those nations were supposed to + express the height of civilization. Sitting at the table of the Archduke, + Conrade was at once stunned and amused with the clang of Teutonic sounds + assaulting his ears on all sides, notwithstanding the solemnity of a + princely banquet. Their dress seemed equally fantastic to him, many of the + Austrian nobles retaining their long beards, and almost all of them + wearing short jerkins of various colours, cut, and flourished, and fringed + in a manner not common in Western Europe. + </p> + <p> + Numbers of dependants, old and young, attended in the pavilion, mingled at + times in the conversation, received from their masters the relics of the + entertainment, and devoured them as they stood behind the backs of the + company. Jesters, dwarfs, and minstrels were there in unusual numbers, and + more noisy and intrusive than they were permitted to be in better + regulated society. As they were allowed to share freely in the wine, which + flowed round in large quantities, their licensed tumult was the more + excessive. + </p> + <p> + All this while, and in the midst of a clamour and confusion which would + better have become a German tavern during a fair than the tent of a + sovereign prince, the Archduke was waited upon with a minuteness of form + and observance which showed how anxious he was to maintain rigidly the + state and character to which his elevation had entitled him. He was served + on the knee, and only by pages of noble blood, fed upon plate of silver, + and drank his Tokay and Rhenish wines from a cup of gold. His ducal mantle + was splendidly adorned with ermine, his coronet might have equalled in + value a royal crown, and his feet, cased in velvet shoes (the length of + which, peaks included, might be two feet), rested upon a footstool of + solid silver. But it served partly to intimate the character of the man, + that, although desirous to show attention to the Marquis of Montserrat, + whom he had courteously placed at his right hand, he gave much more of his + attention to his SPRUCH-SPRECHER—that is, his man of conversation, + or SAYER-OF-SAYINGS—who stood behind the Duke's right shoulder. + </p> + <p> + This personage was well attired in a cloak and doublet of black velvet, + the last of which was decorated with various silver and gold coins + stitched upon it, in memory of the munificent princes who had conferred + them, and bearing a short staff to which also bunches of silver coins were + attached by rings, which he jingled by way of attracting attention when he + was about to say anything which he judged worthy of it. This person's + capacity in the household of the Archduke was somewhat betwixt that of a + minstrel and a counsellor. He was by turns a flatterer, a poet, and an + orator; and those who desired to be well with the Duke generally studied + to gain the good-will of the SPRUCH-SPRECHER. + </p> + <p> + Lest too much of this officer's wisdom should become tiresome, the Duke's + other shoulder was occupied by his HOFF-NARR, or court-jester, called + Jonas Schwanker, who made almost as much noise with his fool's cap, bells, + and bauble, as did the orator, or man of talk, with his jingling baton. + </p> + <p> + These two personages threw out grave and comic nonsense alternately; while + their master, laughing or applauding them himself, yet carefully watched + the countenance of his noble guest, to discern what impressions so + accomplished a cavalier received from this display of Austrian eloquence + and wit. It is hard to say whether the man of wisdom or the man of folly + contributed most to the amusement of the party, or stood highest in the + estimation of their princely master; but the sallies of both seemed + excellently well received. Sometimes they became rivals for the + conversation, and clanged their flappers in emulation of each other with a + most alarming contention; but, in general, they seemed on such good terms, + and so accustomed to support each other's play, that the SPRUCH-SPRECHER + often condescended to follow up the jester's witticisms with an + explanation, to render them more obvious to the capacity of the audience, + so that his wisdom became a sort of commentary on the buffoon's folly. And + sometimes, in requital, the HOFF-NARR, with a pithy jest, wound up the + conclusion of the orator's tedious harangue. + </p> + <p> + Whatever his real sentiments might be, Conrade took especial care that his + countenance should express nothing but satisfaction with what he heard, + and smiled or applauded as zealously, to all appearance, as the Archduke + himself at the solemn folly of the SPRUCH-SPRECHER and the gibbering wit + of the fool. In fact, he watched carefully until the one or other should + introduce some topic favourable to the purpose which was uppermost in his + mind. + </p> + <p> + It was not long ere the King of England was brought on the carpet by the + jester, who had been accustomed to consider Dickon of the Broom (which + irreverent epithet he substituted for Richard Plantagenet) as a subject of + mirth, acceptable and inexhaustible. The orator, indeed, was silent, and + it was only when applied to by Conrade that he observed, “The GENISTA, or + broom-plant, was an emblem of humility; and it would be well when those + who wore it would remember the warning.” + </p> + <p> + The allusion to the illustrious badge of Plantagenet was thus rendered + sufficiently manifest, and Jonas Schwanker observed that they who humbled + themselves had been exalted with a vengeance. “Honour unto whom honour is + due,” answered the Marquis of Montserrat. “We have all had some part in + these marches and battles, and methinks other princes might share a little + in the renown which Richard of England engrosses amongst minstrels and + MINNE-SINGERS. Has no one of the joyeuse science here present a song in + praise of the royal Archduke of Austria, our princely entertainer?” + </p> + <p> + Three minstrels emulously stepped forward with voice and harp. Two were + silenced with difficulty by the SPRUCH-SPRECHER, who seemed to act as + master of the revels, and a hearing was at length procured for the poet + preferred, who sung, in high German, stanzas which may be thus translated:— + </p> + <p> + “What brave chief shall head the forces, Where the red-cross legions + gather? Best of horsemen, best of horses, Highest head and fairest + feather.” + </p> + <p> + Here the orator, jingling his staff, interrupted the bard to intimate to + the party—what they might not have inferred from the description—that + their royal host was the party indicated, and a full-crowned goblet went + round to the acclamation, HOCH LEBE DER HERZOG LEOPOLD! Another stanza + followed:— + </p> + <p> + “Ask not Austria why, 'midst princes, Still her banner rises highest; Ask + as well the strong-wing'd eagle, Why to heaven he soars the highest.” + </p> + <p> + “The eagle,” said the expounder of dark sayings, “is the cognizance of our + noble lord the Archduke—of his royal Grace, I would say—and + the eagle flies the highest and nearest to the sun of all the feathered + creation.” + </p> + <p> + “The lion hath taken a spring above the eagle,” said Conrade carelessly. + </p> + <p> + The Archduke reddened, and fixed his eyes on the speaker, while the + SPRUCH-SPRECHER answered, after a minute's consideration, “The Lord + Marquis will pardon me—a lion cannot fly above an eagle, because no + lion hath got wings.” + </p> + <p> + “Except the lion of Saint Mark,” responded the jester. + </p> + <p> + “That is the Venetian's banner,” said the Duke; “but assuredly that + amphibious race, half nobles, half merchants, will not dare to place their + rank in comparison with ours.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, it was not of the Venetian lion that I spoke,” said the Marquis of + Montserrat, “but of the three lions passant of England. Formerly, it is + said, they were leopards; but now they are become lions at all points, and + must take precedence of beast, fish, or fowl, or woe worth the + gainstander.” + </p> + <p> + “Mean you seriously, my lord?” said the Austrian, now considerably flushed + with wine. “Think you that Richard of England asserts any pre-eminence + over the free sovereigns who have been his voluntary allies in this + Crusade?” + </p> + <p> + “I know not but from circumstances,” answered Conrade. “Yonder hangs his + banner alone in the midst of our camp, as if he were king and + generalissimo of our whole Christian army.” + </p> + <p> + “And do you endure this so patiently, and speak of it so coldly?” said the + Archduke. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, my lord,” answered Conrade, “it cannot concern the poor Marquis of + Montserrat to contend against an injury patiently submitted to by such + potent princes as Philip of France and Leopold of Austria. What dishonour + you are pleased to submit to cannot be a disgrace to me.” + </p> + <p> + Leopold closed his fist, and struck on the table with violence. + </p> + <p> + “I have told Philip of this,” he said. “I have often told him that it was + our duty to protect the inferior princes against the usurpation of this + islander; but he answers me ever with cold respects of their relations + together as suzerain and vassal, and that it were impolitic in him to make + an open breach at this time and period.” + </p> + <p> + “The world knows that Philip is wise,” said Conrade, “and will judge his + submission to be policy. Yours, my lord, you can yourself alone account + for; but I doubt not you have deep reasons for submitting to English + domination.” + </p> + <p> + “I submit!” said Leopold indignantly—“I, the Archduke of Austria, so + important and vital a limb of the Holy Roman Empire—I submit myself + to this king of half an island, this grandson of a Norman bastard! No, by + Heaven! The camp and all Christendom shall see that I know how to right + myself, and whether I yield ground one inch to the English bandog.—Up, + my lieges and merry men; up and follow me! We will—and that without + losing one instant—place the eagle of Austria where she shall float + as high as ever floated the cognizance of king or kaiser.” + </p> + <p> + With that he started from his seat, and amidst the tumultuous cheering of + his guests and followers, made for the door of the pavilion, and seized + his own banner, which stood pitched before it. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, my lord,” said Conrade, affecting to interfere, “it will blemish + your wisdom to make an affray in the camp at this hour; and perhaps it is + better to submit to the usurpation of England a little longer than to—” + </p> + <p> + “Not an hour, not a moment longer,” vociferated the Duke; and with the + banner in his hand, and followed by his shouting guests and attendants, + marched hastily to the central mount, from which the banner of England + floated, and laid his hand on the standard-spear, as if to pluck it from + the ground. + </p> + <p> + “My master, my dear master!” said Jonas Schwanker, throwing his arms about + the Duke, “take heed—lions have teeth—” + </p> + <p> + “And eagles have claws,” said the Duke, not relinquishing his hold on the + banner-staff, yet hesitating to pull it from the ground. + </p> + <p> + The speaker of sentences, notwithstanding such was his occupation, had + nevertheless some intervals of sound sense. He clashed his staff loudly, + and Leopold, as if by habit, turned his head towards his man of counsel. + </p> + <p> + “The eagle is king among the fowls of the air,” said the SPRUCH-SPRECHER, + “as is the lion among the beasts of the field—each has his dominion, + separated as wide as England and Germany. Do thou, noble eagle, no + dishonour to the princely lion, but let your banners remain floating in + peace side by side.” + </p> + <p> + Leopold withdrew his hand from the banner-spear, and looked round for + Conrade of Montserrat, but he saw him not; for the Marquis, so soon as he + saw the mischief afoot, had withdrawn himself from the crowd, taking care, + in the first place, to express before several neutral persons his regret + that the Archduke should have chosen the hours after dinner to avenge any + wrong of which he might think he had a right to complain. Not seeing his + guest, to whom he wished more particularly to have addressed himself, the + Archduke said aloud that, having no wish to breed dissension in the army + of the Cross, he did but vindicate his own privileges and right to stand + upon an equality with the King of England, without desiring, as he might + have done, to advance his banner—which he derived from emperors, his + progenitors—above that of a mere descendant of the Counts of Anjou; + and in the meantime he commanded a cask of wine to be brought hither and + pierced, for regaling the bystanders, who, with tuck of drum and sound of + music, quaffed many a carouse round the Austrian standard. + </p> + <p> + This disorderly scene was not acted without a degree of noise, which + alarmed the whole camp. + </p> + <p> + The critical hour had arrived at which the physician, according to the + rules of his art, had predicted that his royal patient might be awakened + with safety, and the sponge had been applied for that purpose; and the + leech had not made many observations ere he assured the Baron of Gilsland + that the fever had entirely left his sovereign, and that, such was the + happy strength of his constitution, it would not be even necessary, as in + most cases, to give a second dose of the powerful medicine. Richard + himself seemed to be of the same opinion, for, sitting up and rubbing his + eyes, he demanded of De Vaux what present sum of money was in the royal + coffers. + </p> + <p> + The baron could not exactly inform him of the amount. + </p> + <p> + “It matters not,” said Richard; “be it greater or smaller, bestow it all + on this learned leech, who hath, I trust, given me back again to the + service of the Crusade. If it be less than a thousand byzants, let him + have jewels to make it up.” + </p> + <p> + “I sell not the wisdom with which Allah has endowed me,” answered the + Arabian physician; “and be it known to you, great Prince, that the divine + medicine of which you have partaken would lose its effects in my unworthy + hands did I exchange its virtues either for gold or diamonds.” + </p> + <p> + “The Physician refuseth a gratuity!” said De Vaux to himself. “This is + more extraordinary than his being a hundred years old.” + </p> + <p> + “Thomas de Vaux,” said Richard, “thou knowest no courage but what belongs + to the sword, no bounty and virtue but what are used in chivalry. I tell + thee that this Moor, in his independence, might set an example to them who + account themselves the flower of knighthood.” + </p> + <p> + “It is reward enough for me,” said the Moor, folding his arms on his + bosom, and maintaining an attitude at once respectful and dignified, “that + so great a king as the Melech Ric [Richard was thus called by the Eastern + nations.] should thus speak of his servant.—But now let me pray you + again to compose yourself on your couch; for though I think there needs no + further repetition of the divine draught, yet injury might ensue from any + too early exertion ere your strength be entirely restored.” + </p> + <p> + “I must obey thee, Hakim,” said the King; “yet believe me, my bosom feels + so free from the wasting fire which for so many days hath scorched it, + that I care not how soon I expose it to a brave man's lance.—But + hark! what mean these shouts, and that distant music, in the camp? Go, + Thomas de Vaux, and make inquiry.” + </p> + <p> + “It is the Archduke Leopold,” said De Vaux, returning after a minute's + absence, “who makes with his pot-companions some procession through the + camp.” + </p> + <p> + “The drunken fool!” exclaimed King Richard; “can he not keep his brutal + inebriety within the veil of his pavilion, that he must needs show his + shame to all Christendom?—What say you, Sir Marquis?” he added, + addressing himself to Conrade of Montserrat, who at that moment entered + the tent. + </p> + <p> + “Thus much, honoured Prince,” answered the Marquis, “that I delight to see + your Majesty so well, and so far recovered; and that is a long speech for + any one to make who has partaken of the Duke of Austria's hospitality.” + </p> + <p> + “What! you have been dining with the Teutonic wine-skin!” said the + monarch. “And what frolic has he found out to cause all this disturbance? + Truly, Sir Conrade, I have still held you so good a reveller that I wonder + at your quitting the game.” + </p> + <p> + De Vaux, who had got a little behind the King, now exerted himself by look + and sign to make the Marquis understand that he should say nothing to + Richard of what was passing without. But Conrade understood not, or heeded + not, the prohibition. + </p> + <p> + “What the Archduke does,” he said, “is of little consequence to any one, + least of all to himself, since he probably knows not what he is acting; + yet, to say truth, it is a gambol I should not like to share in, since he + is pulling down the banner of England from Saint George's Mount, in the + centre of the camp yonder, and displaying his own in its stead.” + </p> + <p> + “WHAT sayest thou?” exclaimed the King, in a tone which might have waked + the dead. + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” said the Marquis, “let it not chafe your Highness that a fool + should act according to his folly—” + </p> + <p> + “Speak not to me,” said Richard, springing from his couch, and casting on + his clothes with a dispatch which seemed marvellous—“Speak not to + me, Lord Marquis!—De Multon, I command thee speak not a word to me—he + that breathes but a syllable is no friend to Richard Plantagenet.—Hakim, + be silent, I charge thee!” + </p> + <p> + All this while the King was hastily clothing himself, and, with the last + word, snatched his sword from the pillar of the tent, and without any + other weapon, or calling any attendance, he rushed out of his pavilion. + Conrade, holding up his hands as if in astonishment, seemed willing to + enter into conversation with De Vaux; but Sir Thomas pushed rudely past + him, and calling to one of the royal equerries, said hastily, “Fly to Lord + Salisbury's quarters, and let him get his men together and follow me + instantly to Saint George's Mount. Tell him the King's fever has left his + blood and settled in his brain.” + </p> + <p> + Imperfectly heard, and still more imperfectly comprehended, by the + startled attendant whom De Vaux addressed thus hastily, the equerry and + his fellow-servants of the royal chamber rushed hastily into the tents of + the neighbouring nobility, and quickly spread an alarm, as general as the + cause seemed vague, through the whole British forces. The English + soldiers, waked in alarm from that noonday rest which the heat of the + climate had taught them to enjoy as a luxury, hastily asked each other the + cause of the tumult, and without waiting an answer, supplied by the force + of their own fancy the want of information. Some said the Saracens were in + the camp, some that the King's life was attempted, some that he had died + of the fever the preceding night, many that he was assassinated by the + Duke of Austria. The nobles and officers, at an equal loss with the common + men to ascertain the real cause of the disorder, laboured only to get + their followers under arms and under authority, lest their rashness should + occasion some great misfortune to the Crusading army. The English trumpets + sounded loud, shrill, and continuously. The alarm-cry of “Bows and bills, + bows and bills!” was heard from quarter to quarter, again and again + shouted, and again and again answered by the presence of the ready + warriors, and their national invocation, “Saint George for merry England!” + </p> + <p> + The alarm went through the nearest quarter of the camp, and men of all the + various nations assembled, where, perhaps, every people in Christendom had + their representatives, flew to arms, and drew together under circumstances + of general confusion, of which they knew neither the cause nor the object. + It was, however, lucky, amid a scene so threatening, that the Earl of + Salisbury, while he hurried after De Vaux's summons with a few only of the + readiest English men-at-arms, directed the rest of the English host to be + drawn up and kept under arms, to advance to Richard's succour if necessity + should require, but in fit array and under due command, and not with the + tumultuary haste which their own alarm and zeal for the King's safety + might have dictated. + </p> + <p> + In the meanwhile, without regarding for one instant the shouts, the cries, + the tumult which began to thicken around him, Richard, with his dress in + the last disorder, and his sheathed blade under his arm, pursued his way + with the utmost speed, followed only by De Vaux and one or two household + servants, to Saint George's Mount. + </p> + <p> + He outsped even the alarm which his impetuosity only had excited, and + passed the quarter of his own gallant troops of Normandy, Poitou, Gascony, + and Anjou before the disturbance had reached them, although the noise + accompanying the German revel had induced many of the soldiery to get on + foot to listen. The handful of Scots were also quartered in the vicinity, + nor had they been disturbed by the uproar. But the King's person and his + haste were both remarked by the Knight of the Leopard, who, aware that + danger must be afoot, and hastening to share in it, snatched his shield + and sword, and united himself to De Vaux, who with some difficulty kept + pace with his impatient and fiery master. De Vaux answered a look of + curiosity, which the Scottish knight directed towards him, with a shrug of + his broad shoulders, and they continued, side by side, to pursue Richard's + steps. + </p> + <p> + The King was soon at the foot of Saint George's Mount, the sides as well + as platform of which were now surrounded and crowded, partly by those + belonging to the Duke of Austria's retinue, who were celebrating, with + shouts of jubilee, the act which they considered as an assertion of + national honour; partly by bystanders of different nations, whom dislike + to the English, or mere curiosity, had assembled together to witness the + end of these extraordinary proceedings. Through this disorderly troop + Richard burst his way, like a goodly ship under full sail, which cleaves + her forcible passage through the rolling billows, and heeds not that they + unite after her passage and roar upon her stern. + </p> + <p> + The summit of the eminence was a small level space, on which were pitched + the rival banners, surrounded still by the Archduke's friends and retinue. + In the midst of the circle was Leopold himself, still contemplating with + self-satisfaction the deed he had done, and still listening to the shouts + of applause which his partisans bestowed with no sparing breath. While he + was in this state of self-gratulation, Richard burst into the circle, + attended, indeed, only by two men, but in his own headlong energies an + irresistible host. + </p> + <p> + “Who has dared,” he said, laying his hands upon the Austrian standard, and + speaking in a voice like the sound which precedes an earthquake—“Who + has dared to place this paltry rag beside the banner of England?” + </p> + <p> + The Archduke wanted not personal courage, and it was impossible he could + hear this question without reply. Yet so much was he troubled and + surprised by the unexpected arrival of Richard, and affected by the + general awe inspired by his ardent and unyielding character, that the + demand was twice repeated, in a tone which seemed to challenge heaven and + earth, ere the Archduke replied, with such firmness as he could command, + “It was I, Leopold of Austria.” + </p> + <p> + “Then shall Leopold of Austria,” replied Richard, “presentry see the rate + at which his banner and his pretensions are held by Richard of England.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, he pulled up the standard-spear, splintered it to pieces, threw + the banner itself on the ground, and placed his foot upon it. + </p> + <p> + “Thus,” said he, “I trample on the banner of Austria. Is there a knight + among your Teutonic chivalry dare impeach my deed?” + </p> + <p> + There was a momentary silence; but there are no braver men than the + Germans. + </p> + <p> + “I,” and “I,” and “I,” was heard from several knights of the Duke's + followers; and he himself added his voice to those which accepted the King + of England's defiance. + </p> + <p> + “Why do we dally thus?” said the Earl Wallenrode, a gigantic warrior from + the frontiers of Hungary. “Brethren and noble gentlemen, this man's foot + is on the honour of your country—let us rescue it from violation, + and down with the pride of England!” + </p> + <p> + So saying, he drew his sword, and struck at the King a blow which might + have proved fatal, had not the Scot intercepted and caught it upon his + shield. + </p> + <p> + “I have sworn,” said King Richard—and his voice was heard above all + the tumult, which now waxed wild and loud—“never to strike one whose + shoulder bears the cross; therefore live, Wallenrode—but live to + remember Richard of England.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, he grasped the tall Hungarian round the waist, and, unmatched + in wrestling, as in other military exercises, hurled him backwards with + such violence that the mass flew as if discharged from a military engine, + not only through the ring of spectators who witnessed the extraordinary + scene, but over the edge of the mount itself, down the steep side of which + Wallenrode rolled headlong, until, pitching at length upon his shoulder, + he dislocated the bone, and lay like one dead. This almost supernatural + display of strength did not encourage either the Duke or any of his + followers to renew a personal contest so inauspiciously commenced. Those + who stood farthest back did, indeed, clash their swords, and cry out, “Cut + the island mastiff to pieces!” but those who were nearer veiled, perhaps, + their personal fears under an affected regard for order, and cried, for + the most part, “Peace! Peace! the peace of the Cross—the peace of + Holy Church and our Father the Pope!” + </p> + <p> + These various cries of the assailants, contradicting each other, showed + their irresolution; while Richard, his foot still on the archducal banner, + glared round him with an eye that seemed to seek an enemy, and from which + the angry nobles shrunk appalled, as from the threatened grasp of a lion. + De Vaux and the Knight of the Leopard kept their places beside him; and + though the swords which they held were still sheathed, it was plain that + they were prompt to protect Richard's person to the very last, and their + size and remarkable strength plainly showed the defence would be a + desperate one. + </p> + <p> + Salisbury and his attendants were also now drawing near, with bills and + partisans brandished, and bows already bended. + </p> + <p> + At this moment King Philip of France, attended by one or two of his + nobles, came on the platform to inquire the cause of the disturbance, and + made gestures of surprise at finding the King of England raised from his + sick-bed, and confronting their common ally, the Duke of Austria, in such + a menacing and insulting posture. Richard himself blushed at being + discovered by Philip, whose sagacity he respected as much as he disliked + his person, in an attitude neither becoming his character as a monarch, + nor as a Crusader; and it was observed that he withdrew his foot, as if + accidentally, from the dishonoured banner, and exchanged his look of + violent emotion for one of affected composure and indifference. Leopold + also struggled to attain some degree of calmness, mortified as he was by + having been seen by Philip in the act of passively submitting to the + insults of the fiery King of England. + </p> + <p> + Possessed of many of those royal qualities for which he was termed by his + subjects the August, Philip might be termed the Ulysses, as Richard was + indisputably the Achilles, of the Crusade. The King of France was + sagacious, wise, deliberate in council, steady and calm in action, seeing + clearly, and steadily pursuing, the measures most for the interest of his + kingdom—dignified and royal in his deportment, brave in person, but + a politician rather than a warrior. The Crusade would have been no choice + of his own; but the spirit was contagious, and the expedition was enforced + upon him by the church, and by the unanimous wish of his nobility. In any + other situation, or in a milder age, his character might have stood higher + than that of the adventurous Coeur de Lion. But in the Crusade, itself an + undertaking wholly irrational, sound reason was the quality of all others + least estimated, and the chivalric valour which both the age and the + enterprise demanded was considered as debased if mingled with the least + touch of discretion. So that the merit of Philip, compared with that of + his haughty rival, showed like the clear but minute flame of a lamp placed + near the glare of a huge, blazing torch, which, not possessing half the + utility, makes ten times more impression on the eye. Philip felt his + inferiority in public opinion with the pain natural to a high-spirited + prince; and it cannot be wondered at if he took such opportunities as + offered for placing his own character in more advantageous contrast with + that of his rival. The present seemed one of those occasions in which + prudence and calmness might reasonably expect to triumph over obstinacy + and impetuous violence. + </p> + <p> + “What means this unseemly broil betwixt the sworn brethren of the Cross—the + royal Majesty of England and the princely Duke Leopold? How is it possible + that those who are the chiefs and pillars of this holy expedition—” + </p> + <p> + “A truce with thy remonstrance, France,” said Richard, enraged inwardly at + finding himself placed on a sort of equality with Leopold, yet not knowing + how to resent it. “This duke, or prince, or pillar, if you will, hath been + insolent, and I have chastised him—that is all. Here is a coil, + forsooth, because of spurning a hound!” + </p> + <p> + “Majesty of France,” said the Duke, “I appeal to you and every sovereign + prince against the foul indignity which I have sustained. This King of + England hath pulled down my banner-torn and trampled on it.” + </p> + <p> + “Because he had the audacity to plant it beside mine,” said Richard. + </p> + <p> + “My rank as thine equal entitled me,” replied the Duke, emboldened by the + presence of Philip. + </p> + <p> + “Assert such equality for thy person,” said King Richard, “and, by Saint + George, I will treat thy person as I did thy broidered kerchief there, fit + but for the meanest use to which kerchief may be put.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, but patience, brother of England,” said Philip, “and I will + presently show Austria that he is wrong in this matter.—Do not + think, noble Duke,” he continued, “that, in permitting the standard of + England to occupy the highest point in our camp, we, the independent + sovereigns of the Crusade, acknowledge any inferiority to the royal + Richard. It were inconsistent to think so, since even the Oriflamme itself—the + great banner of France, to which the royal Richard himself, in respect of + his French possessions, is but a vassal—holds for the present an + inferior place to the Lions of England. But as sworn brethren of the + Cross, military pilgrims, who, laying aside the pomp and pride of this + world, are hewing with our swords the way to the Holy Sepulchre, I myself, + and the other princes, have renounced to King Richard, from respect to his + high renown and great feats of arms, that precedence which elsewhere, and + upon other motives, would not have been yielded. I am satisfied that, when + your royal grace of Austria shall have considered this, you will express + sorrow for having placed your banner on this spot, and that the royal + Majesty of England will then give satisfaction for the insult he has + offered.” + </p> + <p> + The SPRUCH-SPRECHER and the jester had both retired to a safe distance + when matters seemed coming to blows; but returned when words, their own + commodity, seemed again about to become the order of the day. + </p> + <p> + The man of proverbs was so delighted with Philip's politic speech that he + clashed his baton at the conclusion, by way of emphasis, and forgot the + presence in which he was, so far as to say aloud that he himself had never + said a wiser thing in his life. + </p> + <p> + “It may be so,” whispered Jonas Schwanker, “but we shall be whipped if you + speak so loud.” + </p> + <p> + The Duke answered sullenly that he would refer his quarrel to the General + Council of the Crusade—a motion which Philip highly applauded, as + qualified to take away a scandal most harmful to Christendom. + </p> + <p> + Richard, retaining the same careless attitude, listened to Philip until + his oratory seemed exhausted, and then said aloud, “I am drowsy—this + fever hangs about me still. Brother of France, thou art acquainted with my + humour, and that I have at all times but few words to spare. Know, + therefore, at once, I will submit a matter touching the honour of England + neither to Prince, Pope, nor Council. Here stands my banner—whatsoever + pennon shall be reared within three butts' length of it—ay, were it + the Oriflamme, of which you were, I think, but now speaking—shall be + treated as that dishonoured rag; nor will I yield other satisfaction than + that which these poor limbs can render in the lists to any bold challenge—ay, + were it against five champions instead of one.” + </p> + <p> + “Now,” said the jester, whispering his companion, “that is as complete a + piece of folly as if I myself had said it; but yet, I think, there may be + in this matter a greater fool than Richard yet.” + </p> + <p> + “And who may that be?” asked the man of wisdom. + </p> + <p> + “Philip,” said the jester, “or our own Royal Duke, should either accept + the challenge. But oh, most sage SPRUCH-SPECHER, what excellent kings + wouldst thou and I have made, since those on whose heads these crowns have + fallen can play the proverb-monger and the fool as completely as + ourselves!” + </p> + <p> + While these worthies plied their offices apart, Philip answered calmly to + the almost injurious defiance of Richard, “I came not hither to awaken + fresh quarrels, contrary to the oath we have sworn, and the holy cause in + which we have engaged. I part from my brother of England as brothers + should part, and the only strife between the Lions of England and the + Lilies of France shall be which shall be carried deepest into the ranks of + the infidels.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a bargain, my royal brother,” said Richard, stretching out his hand + with all the frankness which belonged to his rash but generous + disposition; “and soon may we have the opportunity to try this gallant and + fraternal wager.” + </p> + <p> + “Let this noble Duke also partake in the friendship of this happy moment,” + said Philip; and the Duke approached half-sullenly, half-willing to enter + into some accommodation. + </p> + <p> + “I think not of fools, nor of their folly,” said Richard carelessly; and + the Archduke, turning his back on him, withdrew from the ground. + </p> + <p> + Richard looked after him as he retired. + </p> + <p> + “There is a sort of glow-worm courage,” he said, “that shows only by + night. I must not leave this banner unguarded in darkness; by daylight the + look of the Lions will alone defend it. Here, Thomas of Gilsland, I give + thee the charge of the standard—watch over the honour of England.” + </p> + <p> + “Her safety is yet more dear to me,” said De Vaux, “and the life of + Richard is the safety of England. I must have your Highness back to your + tent, and that without further tarriance.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou art a rough and peremptory nurse, De Vaux,” said the king, smiling; + and then added, addressing Sir Kenneth, “Valiant Scot, I owe thee a boon, + and I will pay it richly. There stands the banner of England! Watch it as + novice does his armour on the night before he is dubbed. Stir not from it + three spears' length, and defend it with thy body against injury or + insult. Sound thy bugle if thou art assailed by more than three at once. + Dost thou undertake the charge?” + </p> + <p> + “Willingly,” said Kenneth; “and will discharge it upon penalty of my head. + I will but arm me, and return hither instantly.” + </p> + <p> + The Kings of France and England then took formal leave of each other, + hiding, under an appearance of courtesy, the grounds of complaint which + either had against the other—Richard against Philip, for what he + deemed an officious interference betwixt him and Austria, and Philip + against Coeur de Lion, for the disrespectful manner in which his mediation + had been received. Those whom this disturbance had assembled now drew off + in different directions, leaving the contested mount in the same solitude + which had subsisted till interrupted by the Austrian bravado. Men judged + of the events of the day according to their partialities, and while the + English charged the Austrian with having afforded the first ground of + quarrel, those of other nations concurred in casting the greater blame + upon the insular haughtiness and assuming character of Richard. + </p> + <p> + “Thou seest,” said the Marquis of Montserrat to the Grand Master of the + Templars, “that subtle courses are more effective than violence. I have + unloosed the bonds which held together this bunch of sceptres and lances—thou + wilt see them shortly fall asunder.” + </p> + <p> + “I would have called thy plan a good one,” said the Templar, “had there + been but one man of courage among yonder cold-blooded Austrians to sever + the bonds of which you speak with his sword. A knot that is unloosed may + again be fastened, but not so the cord which has been cut to pieces.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 'Tis woman that seduces all mankind. + GAY. +</pre> + <p> + In the days of chivalry, a dangerous post or a perilous adventure was a + reward frequently assigned to military bravery as a compensation for its + former trials; just as, in ascending a precipice, the surmounting one crag + only lifts the climber to points yet more dangerous. + </p> + <p> + It was midnight, and the moon rode clear and high in heaven, when Kenneth + of Scotland stood upon his watch on Saint George's Mount, beside the + banner of England, a solitary sentinel, to protect the emblem of that + nation against the insults which might be meditated among the thousands + whom Richard's pride had made his enemies. High thoughts rolled, one after + each other, upon the mind of the warrior. It seemed to him as if he had + gained some favour in the eyes of the chivalrous monarch, who till now had + not seemed to distinguish him among the crowds of brave men whom his + renown had assembled under his banner, and Sir Kenneth little recked that + the display of royal regard consisted in placing him upon a post so + perilous. The devotion of his ambitious and high-placed affection inflamed + his military enthusiasm. Hopeless as that attachment was in almost any + conceivable circumstances, those which had lately occurred had, in some + degree, diminished the distance between Edith and himself. He upon whom + Richard had conferred the distinction of guarding his banner was no longer + an adventurer of slight note, but placed within the regard of a princess, + although he was as far as ever from her level. An unknown and obscure fate + could not now be his. If he was surprised and slain on the post which had + been assigned him, his death—and he resolved it should be glorious—must + deserve the praises as well as call down the vengeance of Coeur de Lion, + and be followed by the regrets, and even the tears, of the high-born + beauties of the English Court. He had now no longer reason to fear that he + should die as a fool dieth. + </p> + <p> + Sir Kenneth had full leisure to enjoy these and similar high-souled + thoughts, fostered by that wild spirit of chivalry, which, amid its most + extravagant and fantastic flights, was still pure from all selfish alloy—generous, + devoted, and perhaps only thus far censurable, that it proposed objects + and courses of action inconsistent with the frailties and imperfections of + man. All nature around him slept in calm moon-shine or in deep shadow. The + long rows of tents and pavilions, glimmering or darkening as they lay in + the moonlight or in the shade, were still and silent as the streets of a + deserted city. Beside the banner-staff lay the large staghound already + mentioned, the sole companion of Kenneth's watch, on whose vigilance he + trusted for early warning of the approach of any hostile footstep. The + noble animal seemed to understand the purpose of their watch; for he + looked from time to time at the rich folds of the heavy pennon, and, when + the cry of the sentinels came from the distant lines and defences of the + camp, he answered them with one deep and reiterated bark, as if to affirm + that he too was vigilant in his duty. From time to time, also, he lowered + his lofty head, and wagged his tail, as his master passed and repassed him + in the short turns which he took upon his post; or, when the knight stood + silent and abstracted leaning on his lance, and looking up towards heaven, + his faithful attendant ventured sometimes, in the phrase of romance, “to + disturb his thoughts,” and awaken him from his reverie, by thrusting his + large rough snout into the knight's gauntleted hand, to solicit a + transitory caress. + </p> + <p> + Thus passed two hours of the knight's watch without anything remarkable + occurring. At length, and upon a sudden, the gallant staghound bayed + furiously, and seemed about to dash forward where the shadow lay the + darkest, yet waited, as if in the slips, till he should know the pleasure + of his master. + </p> + <p> + “Who goes there?” said Sir Kenneth, aware that there was something + creeping forward on the shadowy side of the mount. + </p> + <p> + “In the name of Merlin and Maugis,” answered a hoarse, disagreeable voice, + “tie up your fourfooted demon there, or I come not at you.” + </p> + <p> + “And who art thou that would approach my post?” said Sir Kenneth, bending + his eyes as keenly as he could on some object, which he could just observe + at the bottom of the ascent, without being able to distinguish its form. + “Beware—I am here for death and life.” + </p> + <p> + “Take up thy long-fanged Sathanas,” said the voice, “or I will conjure him + with a bolt from my arblast.” + </p> + <p> + At the same time was heard the sound of a spring or check, as when a + crossbow is bent. + </p> + <p> + “Unbend thy arblast, and come into the moonlight,” said the Scot, “or, by + Saint Andrew, I will pin thee to the earth, be what or whom thou wilt!” + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0073m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0073m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0073.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + As he spoke he poised his long lance by the middle, and, fixing his eye + upon the object, which seemed to move, he brandished the weapon, as if + meditating to cast it from his hand—a use of the weapon sometimes, + though rarely, resorted to when a missile was necessary. But Sir Kenneth + was ashamed of his purpose, and grounded his weapon, when there stepped + from the shadow into the moonlight, like an actor entering upon the stage, + a stunted, decrepit creature, whom, by his fantastic dress and deformity, + he recognized, even at some distance, for the male of the two dwarfs whom + he had seen in the chapel at Engaddi. Recollecting, at the same moment, + the other and far different visions of that extraordinary night, he gave + his dog a signal, which he instantly understood, and, returning to the + standard, laid himself down beside it with a stifled growl. + </p> + <p> + The little, distorted miniature of humanity, assured of his safety from an + enemy so formidable, came panting up the ascent, which the shortness of + his legs rendered laborious, and, when he arrived on the platform at the + top, shifted to his left hand the little crossbow, which was just such a + toy as children at that period were permitted to shoot small birds with, + and, assuming an attitude of great dignity, gracefully extended his right + hand to Sir Kenneth, in an attitude as if he expected he would salute it. + But such a result not following, he demanded, in a sharp and angry tone of + voice, “Soldier, wherefore renderest thou not to Nectabanus the homage due + to his dignity? Or is it possible that thou canst have forgotten him?” + </p> + <p> + “Great Nectabanus,” answered the knight, willing to soothe the creature's + humour, “that were difficult for any one who has ever looked upon thee. + Pardon me, however, that, being a soldier upon my post, with my lance in + my hand, I may not give to one of thy puissance the advantage of coming + within my guard, or of mastering my weapon. Suffice it that I reverence + thy dignity, and submit myself to thee as humbly as a man-at-arms in my + place may.” + </p> + <p> + “It shall suffice,” said Nectabanus, “so that you presently attend me to + the presence of those who have sent me hither to summon you.” + </p> + <p> + “Great sir,” replied the knight, “neither in this can I gratify thee, for + my orders are to abide by this banner till daybreak—so I pray you to + hold me excused in that matter also.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, he resumed his walk upon the platform; but the dwarf did not + suffer him so easily to escape from his importunity. + </p> + <p> + “Look you,” he said, placing himself before Sir Kenneth, so as to + interrupt his way, “either obey me, Sir Knight, as in duty bound, or I + will lay the command upon thee, in the name of one whose beauty could call + down the genii from their sphere, and whose grandeur could command the + immortal race when they had descended.” + </p> + <p> + A wild and improbable conjecture arose in the knight's mind, but he + repelled it. It was impossible, he thought, that the lady of his love + should have sent him such a message by such a messenger; yet his voice + trembled as he said, “Go to, Nectabanus. Tell me at once, and as a true + man, whether this sublime lady of whom thou speakest be other than the + houri with whose assistance I beheld thee sweeping the chapel at Engaddi?” + </p> + <p> + “How! presumptuous Knight,” replied the dwarf, “think'st thou the mistress + of our own royal affections, the sharer of our greatness, and the partner + of our comeliness, would demean herself by laying charge on such a vassal + as thou? No; highly as thou art honoured, thou hast not yet deserved the + notice of Queen Guenevra, the lovely bride of Arthur, from whose high seat + even princes seem but pigmies. But look thou here, and as thou knowest or + disownest this token, so obey or refuse her commands who hath deigned to + impose them on thee.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, he placed in the knight's hand a ruby ring, which, even in the + moonlight, he had no difficulty to recognize as that which usually graced + the finger of the high-born lady to whose service he had devoted himself. + Could he have doubted the truth of the token, he would have been convinced + by the small knot of carnation-coloured ribbon which was fastened to the + ring. This was his lady's favourite colour, and more than once had he + himself, assuming it for that of his own liveries, caused the carnation to + triumph over all other hues in the lists and in the battle. + </p> + <p> + Sir Kenneth was struck nearly mute by seeing such a token in such hands. + </p> + <p> + “In the name of all that is sacred, from whom didst thou receive this + witness?” said the knight. “Bring, if thou canst, thy wavering + understanding to a right settlement for a minute or two, and tell me the + person by whom thou art sent, and the real purpose of thy message, and + take heed what thou sayest, for this is no subject for buffoonery.” + </p> + <p> + “Fond and foolish Knight,” said the dwarf, “wouldst thou know more of this + matter than that thou art honoured with commands from a princess, + delivered to thee by a king? We list not to parley with thee further than + to command thee, in the name and by the power of that ring, to follow us + to her who is the owner of the ring. Every minute that thou tarriest is a + crime against thy allegiance.” + </p> + <p> + “Good Nectabanus, bethink thyself,” said the knight. “Can my lady know + where and upon what duty I am this night engaged? Is she aware that my + life—pshaw, why should I speak of life—but that my honour + depends on my guarding this banner till daybreak; and can it be her wish + that I should leave it even to pay homage to her? It is impossible—the + princess is pleased to be merry with her servant in sending him such a + message; and I must think so the rather that she hath chosen such a + messenger.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, keep your belief,” said Nectabanus, turning round as if to leave the + platform; “it is little to me whether you be traitor or true man to this + royal lady—so fare thee well.” + </p> + <p> + “Stay, stay—I entreat you stay,” said Sir Kenneth. “Answer me but + one question: is the lady who sent thee near to this place?” + </p> + <p> + “What signifies it?” said the dwarf. “Ought fidelity to reckon furlongs, + or miles, or leagues—like the poor courier, who is paid for his + labour by the distance which he traverses? Nevertheless, thou soul of + suspicion, I tell thee, the fair owner of the ring now sent to so unworthy + a vassal, in whom there is neither truth nor courage, is not more distant + from this place than this arblast can send a bolt.” + </p> + <p> + The knight gazed again on that ring, as if to ascertain that there was no + possible falsehood in the token. “Tell me,” he said to the dwarf, “is my + presence required for any length of time?” + </p> + <p> + “Time!” answered Nectabanus, in his flighty manner; “what call you time? I + see it not—I feel it not—it is but a shadowy name—a + succession of breathings measured forth by night by the clank of a bell, + by day by a shadow crossing along a dial-stone. Knowest thou not a true + knight's time should only be reckoned by the deeds that he performs in + behalf of God and his lady?” + </p> + <p> + “The words of truth, though in the mouth of folly,” said the knight. “And + doth my lady really summon me to some deed of action, in her name and for + her sake?—and may it not be postponed for even the few hours till + daybreak?” + </p> + <p> + “She requires thy presence instantly,” said the dwarf, “and without the + loss of so much time as would be told by ten grains of the sandglass. + Hearken, thou cold-blooded and suspicious knight, these are her very words—Tell + him that the hand which dropped roses can bestow laurels.” + </p> + <p> + This allusion to their meeting in the chapel of Engaddi sent a thousand + recollections through Sir Kenneth's brain, and convinced him that the + message delivered by the dwarf was genuine. The rosebuds, withered as they + were, were still treasured under his cuirass, and nearest to his heart. He + paused, and could not resolve to forego an opportunity, the only one which + might ever offer, to gain grace in her eyes whom he had installed as + sovereign of his affections. The dwarf, in the meantime, augmented his + confusion by insisting either that he must return the ring or instantly + attend him. + </p> + <p> + “Hold, hold, yet a moment hold,” said the knight, and proceeded to mutter + to himself, “Am I either the subject or slave of King Richard, more than + as a free knight sworn to the service of the Crusade? And whom have I come + hither to honour with lance and sword? Our holy cause and my transcendent + lady!” + </p> + <p> + “The ring! the ring!” exclaimed the dwarf impatiently; “false and slothful + knight, return the ring, which thou art unworthy to touch or to look + upon.” + </p> + <p> + “A moment, a moment, good Nectabanus,” said Sir Kenneth; “disturb not my + thoughts.—What if the Saracens were just now to attack our lines? + Should I stay here like a sworn vassal of England, watching that her + king's pride suffered no humiliation; or should I speed to the breach, and + fight for the Cross? To the breach, assuredly; and next to the cause of + God come the commands of my liege lady. And yet, Coeur de Lion's behest—my + own promise! Nectabanus, I conjure thee once more to say, are you to + conduct me far from hence?” + </p> + <p> + “But to yonder pavilion; and, since you must needs know,” replied + Nectabanus, “the moon is glimmering on the gilded ball which crowns its + roof, and which is worth a king's ransom.” + </p> + <p> + “I can return in an instant,” said the knight, shutting his eyes + desperately to all further consequences, “I can hear from thence the bay + of my dog if any one approaches the standard. I will throw myself at my + lady's feet, and pray her leave to return to conclude my watch.—Here, + Roswal” (calling his hound, and throwing down his mantle by the side of + the standard-spear), “watch thou here, and let no one approach.” + </p> + <p> + The majestic dog looked in his master's face, as if to be sure that he + understood his charge, then sat down beside the mantle, with ears erect + and head raised, like a sentinel, understanding perfectly the purpose for + which he was stationed there. + </p> + <p> + “Come now, good Nectabanus,” said the knight, “let us hasten to obey the + commands thou hast brought.” + </p> + <p> + “Haste he that will,” said the dwarf sullenly; “thou hast not been in + haste to obey my summons, nor can I walk fast enough to follow your long + strides—you do not walk like a man, but bound like an ostrich in the + desert.” + </p> + <p> + There were but two ways of conquering the obstinacy of Nectabanus, who, as + he spoke, diminished his walk into a snail's pace. For bribes Sir Kenneth + had no means—for soothing no time; so in his impatience he snatched + the dwarf up from the ground, and bearing him along, notwithstanding his + entreaties and his fear, reached nearly to the pavilion pointed out as + that of the Queen. In approaching it, however, the Scot observed there was + a small guard of soldiers sitting on the ground, who had been concealed + from him by the intervening tents. Wondering that the clash of his own + armour had not yet attracted their attention, and supposing that his + motions might, on the present occasion, require to be conducted with + secrecy, he placed the little panting guide upon the ground to recover his + breath, and point out what was next to be done. Nectabanus was both + frightened and angry; but he had felt himself as completely in the power + of the robust knight as an owl in the claws of an eagle, and therefore + cared not to provoke him to any further display of his strength. + </p> + <p> + He made no complaints, therefore, of the usage he had received; but, + turning amongst the labyrinth of tents, he led the knight in silence to + the opposite side of the pavilion, which thus screened them from the + observation of the warders, who seemed either too negligent or too sleepy + to discharge their duty with much accuracy. Arrived there, the dwarf + raised the under part of the canvas from the ground, and made signs to Sir + Kenneth that he should introduce himself to the inside of the tent, by + creeping under it. The knight hesitated. There seemed an indecorum in thus + privately introducing himself into a pavilion pitched, doubtless, for the + accommodation of noble ladies; but he recalled to remembrance the assured + tokens which the dwarf had exhibited, and concluded that it was not for + him to dispute his lady's pleasure. + </p> + <p> + He stooped accordingly, crept beneath the canvas enclosure of the tent, + and heard the dwarf whisper from without, “Remain here until I call thee.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + You talk of Gaiety and Innocence! + The moment when the fatal fruit was eaten, + They parted ne'er to meet again; and Malice + Has ever since been playmate to light Gaiety, + From the first moment when the smiling infant + Destroys the flower or butterfly he toys with, + To the last chuckle of the dying miser, + Who on his deathbed laughs his last to hear + His wealthy neighbour has become a bankrupt. + OLD PLAY. +</pre> + <p> + Sir Kenneth was left for some minutes alone and in darkness. Here was + another interruption which must prolong his absence from his post, and he + began almost to repent the facility with which he had been induced to quit + it. But to return without seeing the Lady Edith was now not to be thought + of. He had committed a breach of military discipline, and was determined + at least to prove the reality of the seductive expectations which had + tempted him to do so. Meanwhile his situation was unpleasant. There was no + light to show him into what sort of apartment he had been led—the + Lady Edith was in immediate attendance on the Queen of England—and + the discovery of his having introduced himself thus furtively into the + royal pavilion might, were it discovered; lead to much and dangerous + suspicion. While he gave way to these unpleasant reflections, and began + almost to wish that he could achieve his retreat unobserved, he heard a + noise of female voices, laughing, whispering, and speaking, in an + adjoining apartment, from which, as the sounds gave him reason to judge, + he could only be separated by a canvas partition. Lamps were burning, as + he might perceive by the shadowy light which extended itself even to his + side of the veil which divided the tent, and he could see shades of + several figures sitting and moving in the adjoining apartment. It cannot + be termed discourtesy in Sir Kenneth that, situated as he was, he + overheard a conversation in which he found himself deeply interested. + </p> + <p> + “Call her—call her, for Our Lady's sake,” said the voice of one of + these laughing invisibles. “Nectabanus, thou shalt be made ambassador to + Prester John's court, to show them how wisely thou canst discharge thee of + a mission.” + </p> + <p> + The shrill tone of the dwarf was heard, yet so much subdued that Sir + Kenneth could not understand what he said, except that he spoke something + of the means of merriment given to the guard. + </p> + <p> + “But how shall we rid us of the spirit which Nectabanus hath raised, my + maidens?” + </p> + <p> + “Hear me, royal madam,” said another voice. “If the sage and princely + Nectabanus be not over-jealous of his most transcendent bride and empress, + let us send her to get us rid of this insolent knight-errant, who can be + so easily persuaded that high-born dames may need the use of his insolent + and overweening valour.” + </p> + <p> + “It were but justice, methinks,” replied another, “that the Princess + Guenever should dismiss, by her courtesy, him whom her husband's wisdom + has been able to entice hither.” + </p> + <p> + Struck to the heart with shame and resentment at what he had heard, Sir + Kenneth was about to attempt his escape from the tent at all hazards, when + what followed arrested his purpose. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, truly,” said the first speaker, “our cousin Edith must first learn + how this vaunted wight hath conducted himself, and we must reserve the + power of giving her ocular proof that he hath failed in his duty. It may + be a lesson will do good upon her; for, credit me, Calista, I have + sometimes thought she has let this Northern adventurer sit nearer her + heart than prudence would sanction.” + </p> + <p> + One of the other voices was then heard to mutter something of the Lady + Edith's prudence and wisdom. + </p> + <p> + “Prudence, wench!” was the reply. “It is mere pride, and the desire to be + thought more rigid than any of us. Nay, I will not quit my advantage. You + know well that when she has us at fault no one can, in a civil way, lay + your error before you more precisely than can my Lady Edith. But here she + comes.” + </p> + <p> + A figure, as if entering the apartment, cast upon the partition a shade, + which glided along slowly until it mixed with those which already clouded + it. Despite of the bitter disappointment which he had experienced—despite + the insult and injury with which it seemed he had been visited by the + malice, or, at best, by the idle humour of Queen Berengaria (for he + already concluded that she who spoke loudest, and in a commanding tone, + was the wife of Richard), the knight felt something so soothing to his + feelings in learning that Edith had been no partner to the fraud practised + on him, and so interesting to his curiosity in the scene which was about + to take place, that, instead of prosecuting his more prudent purpose of an + instant retreat, he looked anxiously, on the contrary, for some rent or + crevice by means of which he might be made eye as well as ear witness to + what was to go forward. + </p> + <p> + “Surely,” said he to himself, “the Queen, who hath been pleased for an + idle frolic to endanger my reputation, and perhaps my life, cannot + complain if I avail myself of the chance which fortune seems willing to + afford me to obtain knowledge of her further intentions.” + </p> + <p> + It seemed, in the meanwhile, as if Edith were waiting for the commands of + the Queen, and as if the other were reluctant to speak for fear of being + unable to command her laughter and that of her companions; for Sir Kenneth + could only distinguish a sound as of suppressed tittering and merriment. + </p> + <p> + “Your Majesty,” said Edith at last, “seems in a merry mood, though, + methinks, the hour of night prompts a sleepy one. I was well disposed + bedward when I had your Majesty's commands to attend you.” + </p> + <p> + “I will not long delay you, cousin, from your repose,” said the Queen, + “though I fear you will sleep less soundly when I tell you your wager is + lost.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, royal madam,” said Edith, “this, surely, is dwelling on a jest which + has rather been worn out, I laid no wager, however it was your Majesty's + pleasure to suppose, or to insist, that I did so.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, now, despite our pilgrimage, Satan is strong with you, my gentle + cousin, and prompts thee to leasing. Can you deny that you gaged your ruby + ring against my golden bracelet that yonder Knight of the Libbard, or how + call you him, could not be seduced from his post?” + </p> + <p> + “Your Majesty is too great for me to gainsay you,” replied Edith, “but + these ladies can, if they will, bear me witness that it was your Highness + who proposed such a wager, and took the ring from my finger, even while I + was declaring that I did not think it maidenly to gage anything on such a + subject.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, but, my Lady Edith,” said another voice, “you must needs grant, + under your favour, that you expressed yourself very confident of the + valour of that same Knight of the Leopard.” + </p> + <p> + “And if I did, minion,” said Edith angrily, “is that a good reason why + thou shouldst put in thy word to flatter her Majesty's humour? I spoke of + that knight but as all men speak who have seen him in the field, and had + no more interest in defending than thou in detracting from him. In a camp, + what can women speak of save soldiers and deeds of arms?” + </p> + <p> + “The noble Lady Edith,” said a third voice, “hath never forgiven Calista + and me, since we told your Majesty that she dropped two rosebuds in the + chapel.” + </p> + <p> + “If your Majesty,” said Edith, in a tone which Sir Kenneth could judge to + be that of respectful remonstrance, “have no other commands for me than to + hear the gibes of your waiting-women, I must crave your permission to + withdraw.” + </p> + <p> + “Silence, Florise,” said the Queen, “and let not our indulgence lead you + to forget the difference betwixt yourself and the kinswoman of England.—But + you, my dear cousin,” she continued, resuming her tone of raillery, “how + can you, who are so good-natured, begrudge us poor wretches a few minutes' + laughing, when we have had so many days devoted to weeping and gnashing of + teeth?” + </p> + <p> + “Great be your mirth, royal lady,” said Edith; “yet would I be content not + to smile for the rest of my life, rather than—” + </p> + <p> + She stopped, apparently out of respect; but Sir Kenneth could hear that + she was in much agitation. + </p> + <p> + “Forgive me,” said Berengaria, a thoughtless but good-humoured princess of + the House of Navarre; “but what is the great offence, after all? A young + knight has been wiled hither—has stolen, or has been stolen, from + his post, which no one will disturb in his absence—for the sake of a + fair lady; for, to do your champion justice, sweet one, the wisdom of + Nectabanus could conjure him hither in no name but yours.” + </p> + <p> + “Gracious Heaven! your Majesty does not say so?” said Edith, in a voice of + alarm quite different from the agitation she had previously evinced,—“you + cannot say so consistently with respect for your own honour and for mine, + your husband's kinswoman! Say you were jesting with me, my royal mistress, + and forgive me that I could, even for a moment, think it possible you + could be in earnest!” + </p> + <p> + “The Lady Edith,” said the Queen, in a displeased tone of voice, “regrets + the ring we have won of her. We will restore the pledge to you, gentle + cousin; only you must not grudge us in turn a little triumph over the + wisdom which has been so often spread over us, as a banner over a host.” + </p> + <p> + “A triumph!” exclaimed Edith indignantly—“a triumph! The triumph + will be with the infidel, when he hears that the Queen of England can make + the reputation of her husband's kinswoman the subject of a light frolic.” + </p> + <p> + “You are angry, fair cousin, at losing your favourite ring,” said the + Queen. “Come, since you grudge to pay your wager, we will renounce our + right; it was your name and that pledge brought him hither, and we care + not for the bait after the fish is caught.” + </p> + <p> + “Madam,” replied Edith impatiently, “you know well that your Grace could + not wish for anything of mine but it becomes instantly yours. But I would + give a bushel of rubies ere ring or name of mine had been used to bring a + brave man into a fault, and perhaps to disgrace and punishment.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, it is for the safety of our true knight that we fear!” said the + Queen. “You rate our power too low, fair cousin, when you speak of a life + being lost for a frolic of ours. O Lady Edith, others have influence on + the iron breasts of warriors as well as you—the heart even of a lion + is made of flesh, not of stone; and, believe me, I have interest enough + with Richard to save this knight, in whose fate Lady Edith is so deeply + concerned, from the penalty of disobeying his royal commands.” + </p> + <p> + “For the love of the blessed Cross, most royal lady,” said Edith—and + Sir Kenneth, with feelings which it were hard to unravel, heard her + prostrate herself at the Queen's feet—“for the love of our blessed + Lady, and of every holy saint in the calendar, beware what you do! You + know not King Richard—you have been but shortly wedded to him. Your + breath might as well combat the west wind when it is wildest, as your + words persuade my royal kinsman to pardon a military offence. Oh, for + God's sake, dismiss this gentleman, if indeed you have lured him hither! I + could almost be content to rest with the shame of having invited him, did + I know that he was returned again where his duty calls him!” + </p> + <p> + “Arise, cousin, arise,” said Queen Berengaria, “and be assured all will be + better than you think. Rise, dear Edith. I am sorry I have played my + foolery with a knight in whom you take such deep interest. Nay, wring not + thy hands; I will believe thou carest not for him—believe anything + rather than see thee look so wretchedly miserable. I tell thee I will take + the blame on myself with King Richard in behalf of thy fair Northern + friend—thine acquaintance, I would say, since thou own'st him not as + a friend. Nay, look not so reproachfully. We will send Nectabanus to + dismiss this Knight of the Standard to his post; and we ourselves will + grace him on some future day, to make amends for his wild-goose chase. He + is, I warrant, but lying perdu in some neighbouring tent.” + </p> + <p> + “By my crown of lilies, and my sceptre of a specially good water-reed,” + said Nectabanus, “your Majesty is mistaken, He is nearer at hand than you + wot—he lieth ensconced there behind that canvas partition.” + </p> + <p> + “And within hearing of each word we have said!” exclaimed the Queen, in + her turn violently surprised and agitated. “Out, monster of folly and + malignity!” + </p> + <p> + As she uttered these words, Nectabanus fled from the pavilion with a yell + of such a nature as leaves it still doubtful whether Berengaria had + confined her rebuke to words, or added some more emphatic expression of + her displeasure. + </p> + <p> + “What can now be done?” said the Queen to Edith, in a whisper of + undisguised uneasiness. + </p> + <p> + “That which must,” said Edith firmly. “We must see this gentleman and + place ourselves in his mercy.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, she began hastily to undo a curtain, which at one place covered + an entrance or communication. + </p> + <p> + “For Heaven's sake, forbear—consider,” said the Queen—“my + apartment—our dress—the hour—my honour!” + </p> + <p> + But ere she could detail her remonstrances, the curtain fell, and there + was no division any longer betwixt the armed knight and the party of + ladies. The warmth of an Eastern night occasioned the undress of Queen + Berengaria and her household to be rather more simple and unstudied than + their station, and the presence of a male spectator of rank, required. + This the Queen remembered, and with a loud shriek fled from the apartment + where Sir Kenneth was disclosed to view in a compartment of the ample + pavilion, now no longer separated from that in which they stood. The grief + and agitation of the Lady Edith, as well as the deep interest she felt in + a hasty explanation with the Scottish knight, perhaps occasioned her + forgetting that her locks were more dishevelled and her person less + heedfully covered than was the wont of high-born damsels, in an age which + was not, after all, the most prudish or scrupulous period of the ancient + time. A thin, loose garment of pink-coloured silk made the principal part + of her vestments, with Oriental slippers, into which she had hastily + thrust her bare feet, and a scarf hurriedly and loosely thrown about her + shoulders. Her head had no other covering than the veil of rich and + dishevelled locks falling round it on every side, that half hid a + countenance which a mingled sense of modesty and of resentment, and other + deep and agitated feelings, had covered with crimson. + </p> + <p> + But although Edith felt her situation with all that delicacy which is her + sex's greatest charm, it did not seem that for a moment she placed her own + bashfulness in comparison with the duty which, as she thought, she owed to + him who had been led into error and danger on her account. She drew, + indeed, her scarf more closely over her neck and bosom, and she hastily + laid from her hand a lamp which shed too much lustre over her figure; but, + while Sir Kenneth stood motionless on the same spot in which he was first + discovered, she rather stepped towards than retired from him, as she + exclaimed, “Hasten to your post, valiant knight!—you are deceived in + being trained hither—ask no questions.” + </p> + <p> + “I need ask none,” said the knight, sinking upon one knee, with the + reverential devotion of a saint at the altar, and bending his eyes on the + ground, lest his looks should increase the lady's embarrassment. + </p> + <p> + “Have you heard all?” said Edith impatiently. “Gracious saints! then + wherefore wait you here, when each minute that passes is loaded with + dishonour!” + </p> + <p> + “I have heard that I am dishonoured, lady, and I have heard it from you,” + answered Kenneth. “What reck I how soon punishment follows? I have but one + petition to you; and then I seek, among the sabres of the infidels, + whether dishonour may not be washed out with blood.” + </p> + <p> + “Do not so, neither,” said the lady. “Be wise—dally not here; all + may yet be well, if you will but use dispatch.” + </p> + <p> + “I wait but for your forgiveness,” said the knight, still kneeling, “for + my presumption in believing that my poor services could have been required + or valued by you.” + </p> + <p> + “I do forgive you—oh, I have nothing to forgive! have been the means + of injuring you. But oh, begone! I will forgive—I will value you—that + is, as I value every brave Crusader—if you will but begone!” + </p> + <p> + “Receive, first, this precious yet fatal pledge,” said the knight, + tendering the ring to Edith, who now showed gestures of impatience. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no, no “ she said, declining to receive it. “Keep it—keep it as + a mark of my regard—my regret, I would say. Oh, begone, if not for + your own sake, for mine!” + </p> + <p> + Almost recompensed for the loss even of honour, which her voice had + denounced to him, by the interest which she seemed to testify in his + safety, Sir Kenneth rose from his knee, and, casting a momentary glance on + Edith, bowed low, and seemed about to withdraw. At the same instant, that + maidenly bashfulness, which the energy of Edith's feelings had till then + triumphed over, became conqueror in its turn, and she hastened from the + apartment, extinguishing her lamp as she went, and leaving, in Sir + Kenneth's thoughts, both mental and natural gloom behind her. + </p> + <p> + She must be obeyed, was the first distinct idea which waked him from his + reverie, and he hastened to the place by which he had entered the + pavilion. To pass under the canvas in the manner he had entered required + time and attention, and he made a readier aperture by slitting the canvas + wall with his poniard. When in the free air, he felt rather stupefied and + overpowered by a conflict of sensations, than able to ascertain what was + the real import of the whole. He was obliged to spur himself to action by + recollecting that the commands of the Lady Edith had required haste. Even + then, engaged as he was amongst tent-ropes and tents, he was compelled to + move with caution until he should regain the path or avenue, aside from + which the dwarf had led him, in order to escape the observation of the + guards before the Queen's pavilion; and he was obliged also to move + slowly, and with precaution, to avoid giving an alarm, either by falling + or by the clashing of his armour. A thin cloud had obscured the moon, too, + at the very instant of his leaving the tent, and Sir Kenneth had to + struggle with this inconvenience at a moment when the dizziness of his + head and the fullness of his heart scarce left him powers of intelligence + sufficient to direct his motions. + </p> + <p> + But at once sounds came upon his ear which instantly recalled him to the + full energy of his faculties. These proceeded from the Mount of Saint + George. He heard first a single, fierce, angry, and savage bark, which was + immediately followed by a yell of agony. No deer ever bounded with a + wilder start at the voice of Roswal than did Sir Kenneth at what he feared + was the death-cry of that noble hound, from whom no ordinary injury could + have extracted even the slightest acknowledgment of pain. He surmounted + the space which divided him from the avenue, and, having attained it, + began to run towards the mount, although loaded with his mail, faster than + most men could have accompanied him even if unarmed, relaxed not his pace + for the steep sides of the artificial mound, and in a few minutes stood on + the platform upon its summit. + </p> + <p> + The moon broke forth at this moment, and showed him that the Standard of + England was vanished, that the spear on which it had floated lay broken on + the ground, and beside it was his faithful hound, apparently in the + agonies of death. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + All my long arrear of honour lost, + Heap'd up in youth, and hoarded up for age. + Hath Honour's fountain then suck'd up the stream? + He hath—and hooting boys may barefoot pass, + And gather pebbles from the naked ford! + DON SEBASTIAN. +</pre> + <p> + After a torrent of afflicting sensations, by which he was at first almost + stunned and confounded, Sir Kenneth's first thought was to look for the + authors of this violation of the English banner; but in no direction could + he see traces of them. His next, which to some persons, but scarce to any + who have made intimate acquaintances among the canine race, may appear + strange, was to examine the condition of his faithful Roswal, mortally + wounded, as it seemed, in discharging the duty which his master had been + seduced to abandon. He caressed the dying animal, who, faithful to the + last, seemed to forget his own pain in the satisfaction he received from + his master's presence, and continued wagging his tail and licking his + hand, even while by low moanings he expressed that his agony was increased + by the attempts which Sir Kenneth made to withdraw from the wound the + fragment of the lance or javelin with which it had been inflicted; then + redoubled his feeble endearments, as if fearing he had offended his master + by showing a sense of the pain to which his interference had subjected + him. There was something in the display of the dying creature's attachment + which mixed as a bitter ingredient with the sense of disgrace and + desolation by which Sir Kenneth was oppressed. His only friend seemed + removed from him, just when he had incurred the contempt and hatred of all + besides. The knight's strength of mind gave way to a burst of agonized + distress, and he groaned and wept aloud. + </p> + <p> + While he thus indulged his grief, a clear and solemn voice, close beside + him, pronounced these words in the sonorous tone of the readers of the + mosque, and in the lingua franca mutually understood by Christians and + Saracens:— + </p> + <p> + “Adversity is like the period of the former and of the latter rain—cold, + comfortless, unfriendly to man and to animal; yet from that season have + their birth the flower and the fruit, the date, the rose, and the + pomegranate.” + </p> + <p> + Sir Kenneth of the Leopard turned towards the speaker, and beheld the + Arabian physician, who, approaching unheard, had seated himself a little + behind him cross-legged, and uttered with gravity, yet not without a tone + of sympathy, the moral sentences of consolation with which the Koran and + its commentators supplied him; for, in the East, wisdom is held to consist + less in a display of the sage's own inventive talents, than in his ready + memory and happy application of and reference to “that which is written.” + </p> + <p> + Ashamed at being surprised in a womanlike expression of sorrow, Sir + Kenneth dashed his tears indignantly aside, and again busied himself with + his dying favourite. + </p> + <p> + “The poet hath said,” continued the Arab, without noticing the knight's + averted looks and sullen deportment, “the ox for the field, and the camel + for the desert. Were not the hand of the leech fitter than that of the + soldier to cure wounds, though less able to inflict them?” + </p> + <p> + “This patient, Hakim, is beyond thy help,” said Sir Kenneth; “and, + besides, he is, by thy law, an unclean animal.” + </p> + <p> + “Where Allah hath deigned to bestow life, and a sense of pain and + pleasure,” said the physician, “it were sinful pride should the sage, whom + He has enlightened, refuse to prolong existence or assuage agony. To the + sage, the cure of a miserable groom, of a poor dog and of a conquering + monarch, are events of little distinction. Let me examine this wounded + animal.” + </p> + <p> + Sir Kenneth acceded in silence, and the physician inspected and handled + Roswal's wound with as much care and attention as if he had been a human + being. He then took forth a case of instruments, and, by the judicious and + skilful application of pincers, withdrew from the wounded shoulder the + fragment of the weapon, and stopped with styptics and bandages the + effusion of blood which followed; the creature all the while suffering him + patiently to perform these kind offices, as if he had been aware of his + kind intentions. + </p> + <p> + “The animal may be cured,” said El Hakim, addressing himself to Sir + Kenneth, “if you will permit me to carry him to my tent, and treat him + with the care which the nobleness of his nature deserves. For know, that + thy servant Adonbec is no less skilful in the race and pedigree and + distinctions of good dogs and of noble steeds than in the diseases which + afflict the human race.” + </p> + <p> + “Take him with you,” said the knight. “I bestow him on you freely, if he + recovers. I owe thee a reward for attendance on my squire, and have + nothing else to pay it with. For myself, I will never again wind bugle or + halloo to hound!” + </p> + <p> + The Arabian made no reply, but gave a signal with a clapping of his hands, + which was instantly answered by the appearance of two black slaves. He + gave them his orders in Arabic, received the answer that “to hear was to + obey,” when, taking the animal in their arms, they removed him, without + much resistance on his part; for though his eyes turned to his master, he + was too weak to struggle. + </p> + <p> + “Fare thee well, Roswal, then,” said Sir Kenneth—“fare thee well, my + last and only friend—thou art too noble a possession to be retained + by one such as I must in future call myself!—I would,” he said, as + the slaves retired, “that, dying as he is, I could exchange conditions + with that noble animal!” + </p> + <p> + “It is written,” answered the Arabian, although the exclamation had not + been addressed to him, “that all creatures are fashioned for the service + of man; and the master of the earth speaketh folly when he would exchange, + in his impatience, his hopes here and to come for the servile condition of + an inferior being.” + </p> + <p> + “A dog who dies in discharging his duty,” said the knight sternly, “is + better than a man who survives the desertion of it. Leave me, Hakim; thou + hast, on this side of miracle, the most wonderful science which man ever + possessed, but the wounds of the spirit are beyond thy power.” + </p> + <p> + “Not if the patient will explain his calamity, and be guided by the + physician,” said Adonbec el Hakim. + </p> + <p> + “Know, then,” said Sir Kenneth, “since thou art so importunate, that last + night the Banner of England was displayed from this mound—I was its + appointed guardian—morning is now breaking—there lies the + broken banner-spear, the standard itself is lost, and here sit I a living + man!” + </p> + <p> + “How!” said El Hakim, examining him; “thy armour is whole—there is + no blood on thy weapons, and report speaks thee one unlikely to return + thus from fight. Thou hast been trained from thy post—ay, trained by + the rosy cheek and black eye of one of those houris, to whom you Nazarenes + vow rather such service as is due to Allah, than such love as may lawfully + be rendered to forms of clay like our own. It has been thus assuredly; for + so hath man ever fallen, even since the days of Sultan Adam.” + </p> + <p> + “And if it were so, physician,” said Sir Kenneth sullenly, “what remedy?” + </p> + <p> + “Knowledge is the parent of power,” said El Hakim, “as valour supplies + strength. Listen to me. Man is not as a tree, bound to one spot of earth; + nor is he framed to cling to one bare rock, like the scarce animated + shell-fish. Thine own Christian writings command thee, when persecuted in + one city, to flee to another; and we Moslem also know that Mohammed, the + Prophet of Allah, driven forth from the holy city of Mecca, found his + refuge and his helpmates at Medina.” + </p> + <p> + “And what does this concern me?” said the Scot. + </p> + <p> + “Much,” answered the physician. “Even the sage flies the tempest which he + cannot control. Use thy speed, therefore, and fly from the vengeance of + Richard to the shadow of Saladin's victorious banner.” + </p> + <p> + “I might indeed hide my dishonour,” said Sir Kenneth ironically, “in a + camp of infidel heathens, where the very phrase is unknown. But had I not + better partake more fully in their reproach? Does not thy advice stretch + so far as to recommend me to take the turban? Methinks I want but apostasy + to consummate my infamy.” + </p> + <p> + “Blaspheme not, Nazarene,” said the physician sternly. “Saladin makes no + converts to the law of the Prophet, save those on whom its precepts shall + work conviction. Open thine eyes to the light, and the great Soldan, whose + liberality is as boundless as his power, may bestow on thee a kingdom; + remain blinded if thou will, and, being one whose second life is doomed to + misery, Saladin will yet, for this span of present time, make thee rich + and happy. But fear not that thy brows shall be bound with the turban, + save at thine own free choice.” + </p> + <p> + “My choice were rather,” said the knight, “that my writhen features should + blacken, as they are like to do, in this evening's setting sun.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet thou art not wise, Nazarene,” said El Hakim, “to reject this fair + offer; for I have power with Saladin, and can raise thee high in his + grace. Look you, my son—this Crusade, as you call your wild + enterprise, is like a large dromond [The largest sort of vessels then + known were termed dromond's, or dromedaries.] parting asunder in the + waves. Thou thyself hast borne terms of truce from the kings and princes, + whose force is here assembled, to the mighty Soldan, and knewest not, + perchance, the full tenor of thine own errand.” + </p> + <p> + “I knew not, and I care not,” said the knight impatiently. “What avails it + to me that I have been of late the envoy of princes, when, ere night, I + shall be a gibbeted and dishonoured corpse?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, I speak that it may not be so with thee,” said the physician. + “Saladin is courted on all sides. The combined princes of this league + formed against him have made such proposals of composition and peace, as, + in other circumstances, it might have become his honour to have granted to + them. Others have made private offers, on their own separate account, to + disjoin their forces from the camp of the Kings of Frangistan, and even to + lend their arms to the defence of the standard of the Prophet. But Saladin + will not be served by such treacherous and interested defection. The king + of kings will treat only with the Lion King. Saladin will hold treaty with + none but the Melech Ric, and with him he will treat like a prince, or + fight like a champion. To Richard he will yield such conditions of his + free liberality as the swords of all Europe could never compel from him by + force or terror. He will permit a free pilgrimage to Jerusalem, and all + the places where the Nazarenes list to worship; nay, he will so far share + even his empire with his brother Richard, that he will allow Christian + garrisons in the six strongest cities of Palestine, and one in Jerusalem + itself, and suffer them to be under the immediate command of the officers + of Richard, who, he consents, shall bear the name of King Guardian of + Jerusalem. Yet further, strange and incredible as you may think it, know, + Sir Knight—for to your honour I can commit even that almost + incredible secret—know that Saladin will put a sacred seal on this + happy union betwixt the bravest and noblest of Frangistan and Asia, by + raising to the rank of his royal spouse a Christian damsel, allied in + blood to King Richard, and known by the name of the Lady Edith of + Plantagenet.” [This may appear so extraordinary and improbable a + proposition that it is necessary to say such a one was actually made. The + historians, however, substitute the widowed Queen of Naples, sister of + Richard, for the bride, and Saladin's brother for the bridegroom. They + appear to have been ignorant of the existence of Edith of Plantagenet.—See + MILL'S History of the Crusades, vol. ii., p. 61.] + </p> + <p> + “Ha!—sayest thou?” exclaimed Sir Kenneth, who, listening with + indifference and apathy to the preceding part of El Hakim's speech, was + touched by this last communication, as the thrill of a nerve, unexpectedly + jarred, will awaken the sensation of agony, even in the torpor of palsy. + Then, moderating his tone, by dint of much effort he restrained his + indignation, and, veiling it under the appearance of contemptuous doubt, + he prosecuted the conversation, in order to get as much knowledge as + possible of the plot, as he deemed it, against the honour and happiness of + her whom he loved not the less that his passion had ruined, apparently, + his fortunes, at once, and his honour.—“And what Christian,” he + said, With tolerable calmness, “would sanction a union so unnatural as + that of a Christian maiden with an unbelieving Saracen?” + </p> + <p> + “Thou art but an ignorant, bigoted Nazarene,” said the Hakim. “Seest thou + not how the Mohammedan princes daily intermarry with the noble Nazarene + maidens in Spain, without scandal either to Moor or Christian? And the + noble Soldan will, in his full confidence in the blood of Richard, permit + the English maid the freedom which your Frankish manners have assigned to + women. He will allow her the free exercise of her religion, seeing that, + in very truth, it signifies but little to which faith females are + addicted; and he will assign her such place and rank over all the women of + his zenana, that she shall be in every respect his sole and absolute + queen.” + </p> + <p> + “What!” said Sir Kenneth, “darest thou think, Moslem, that Richard would + give his kinswoman—a high-born and virtuous princess—to be, at + best, the foremost concubine in the haram of a misbeliever? Know, Hakim, + the meanest free Christian noble would scorn, on his child's behalf, such + splendid ignominy.” + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0236m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0236m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0236.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + “Thou errest,” said the Hakim. “Philip of France, and Henry of Champagne, + and others of Richard's principal allies, have heard the proposal without + starting, and have promised, as far as they may, to forward an alliance + that may end these wasteful wars; and the wise arch-priest of Tyre hath + undertaken to break the proposal to Richard, not doubting that he shall be + able to bring the plan to good issue. The Soldan's wisdom hath as yet kept + his proposition secret from others, such as he of Montserrat, and the + Master of the Templars, because he knows they seek to thrive by Richard's + death or disgrace, not by his life or honour. Up, therefore, Sir Knight, + and to horse. I will give thee a scroll which shall advance thee highly + with the Soldan; and deem not that you are leaving your country, or her + cause, or her religion, since the interest of the two monarchs will + speedily be the same. To Saladin thy counsel will be most acceptable, + since thou canst make him aware of much concerning the marriages of the + Christians, the treatment of their wives, and other points of their laws + and usages, which, in the course of such treaty, it much concerns him that + he should know. The right hand of the Soldan grasps the treasures of the + East, and it is the fountain or generosity. Or, if thou desirest it, + Saladin, when allied with England, can have but little difficulty to + obtain from Richard, not only thy pardon and restoration to favour, but an + honourable command in the troops which may be left of the King of + England's host, to maintain their joint government in Palestine. Up, then, + and mount—there lies a plain path before thee.” + </p> + <p> + “Hakim,” said the Scottish knight, “thou art a man of peace; also thou + hast saved the life of Richard of England—and, moreover, of my own + poor esquire, Strauchan. I have, therefore, heard to an end a matter + which, being propounded by another Moslem than thyself, I would have cut + short with a blow of my dagger! Hakim, in return for thy kindness, I + advise thee to see that the Saracen who shall propose to Richard a union + betwixt the blood of Plantagenet and that of his accursed race do put on a + helmet which is capable to endure such a blow of a battle-axe as that + which struck down the gate of Acre. Certes, he will be otherwise placed + beyond the reach even of thy skill.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou art, then, wilfully determined not to fly to the Saracen host?” said + the physician. “Yet, remember, thou stayest to certain destruction; and + the writings of thy law, as well as ours, prohibit man from breaking into + the tabernacle of his own life.” + </p> + <p> + “God forbid!” replied the Scot, crossing himself; “but we are also + forbidden to avoid the punishment which our crimes have deserved. And + since so poor are thy thoughts of fidelity, Hakim, it grudges me that I + have bestowed my good hound on thee, for, should he live, he will have a + master ignorant of his value.” + </p> + <p> + “A gift that is begrudged is already recalled,” said El Hakim; “only we + physicians are sworn not to send away a patient uncured. If the dog + recover, he is once more yours.” + </p> + <p> + “Go to, Hakim,” answered Sir Kenneth; “men speak not of hawk and hound + when there is but an hour of day-breaking betwixt them and death. Leave me + to recollect my sins, and reconcile myself to Heaven.” + </p> + <p> + “I leave thee in thine obstinacy,” said the physician; “the mist hides the + precipice from those who are doomed to fall over it.” + </p> + <p> + He withdrew slowly, turning from time to time his head, as if to observe + whether the devoted knight might not recall him either by word or signal. + At last his turbaned figure was lost among the labyrinth of tents which + lay extended beneath, whitening in the pale light of the dawning, before + which the moonbeam had now faded away. + </p> + <p> + But although the physician Adonbec's words had not made that impression + upon Kenneth which the sage desired, they had inspired the Scot with a + motive for desiring life, which, dishonoured as he conceived himself to + be, he was before willing to part from as from a sullied vestment no + longer becoming his wear. Much that had passed betwixt himself and the + hermit, besides what he had observed between the anchorite and Sheerkohf + (or Ilderim), he now recalled to recollection, and tended to confirm what + the Hakim had told him of the secret article of the treaty. + </p> + <p> + “The reverend impostor!” he exclaimed to himself; “the hoary hypocrite! He + spoke of the unbelieving husband converted by the believing wife; and what + do I know but that the traitor exhibited to the Saracen, accursed of God, + the beauties of Edith Plantagenet, that the hound might judge if the + princely Christian lady were fit to be admitted into the haram of a + misbeliever? If I had yonder infidel Ilderim, or whatsoever he is called, + again in the gripe with which I once held him fast as ever hound held + hare, never again should HE at least come on errand disgraceful to the + honour of Christian king or noble and virtuous maiden. But I—my + hours are fast dwindling into minutes—yet, while I have life and + breath, something must be done, and speedily.” + </p> + <p> + He paused for a few minutes, threw from him his helmet, then strode down + the hill, and took the road to King Richard's pavilion. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The feather'd songster, chanticleer, + Had wound his bugle-horn, + And told the early villager + The coming of the morn. + King Edward saw the ruddy streaks + Of light eclipse the grey, + And heard the raven's croaking throat + Proclaim the fated day. + “Thou'rt right,” he said, “for, by the God + That sits enthron'd on high, + Charles Baldwin, and his fellows twain, + This day shall surely die.” + CHATTERTON. +</pre> + <p> + On the evening on which Sir Kenneth assumed his post, Richard, after the + stormy event which disturbed its tranquillity, had retired to rest in the + plenitude of confidence inspired by his unbounded courage and the + superiority which he had displayed in carrying the point he aimed at in + presence of the whole Christian host and its leaders, many of whom, he was + aware, regarded in their secret souls the disgrace of the Austrian Duke as + a triumph over themselves; so that his pride felt gratified, that in + prostrating one enemy he had mortified a hundred. + </p> + <p> + Another monarch would have doubled his guards on the evening after such a + scene, and kept at least a part of his troops under arms. But Coeur de + Lion dismissed, upon the occasion, even his ordinary watch, and assigned + to his soldiers a donative of wine to celebrate his recovery, and to drink + to the Banner of Saint George; and his quarter of the camp would have + assumed a character totally devoid of vigilance and military preparation, + but that Sir Thomas de Vaux, the Earl of Salisbury, and other nobles, took + precautions to preserve order and discipline among the revellers. + </p> + <p> + The physician attended the King from his retiring to bed till midnight was + past, and twice administered medicine to him during that period, always + previously observing the quarter of heaven occupied by the full moon, + whose influences he declared to be most sovereign, or most baleful, to the + effect of his drugs. It was three hours after midnight ere El Hakim + withdrew from the royal tent, to one which had been pitched for himself + and his retinue. In his way thither he visited the tent of Sir Kenneth of + the Leopard, in order to see the condition of his first patient in the + Christian camp, old Strauchan, as the knight's esquire was named. + Inquiring there for Sir Kenneth himself, El Hakim learned on what duty he + was employed, and probably this information led him to Saint George's + Mount, where he found him whom he sought in the disastrous circumstances + alluded to in the last chapter. + </p> + <p> + It was about the hour of sunrise, when a slow, armed tread was heard + approaching the King's pavilion; and ere De Vaux, who slumbered beside his + master's bed as lightly as ever sleep sat upon the eyes of a watch-dog, + had time to do more than arise and say, “Who comes?” the Knight of the + Leopard entered the tent, with a deep and devoted gloom seated upon his + manly features. + </p> + <p> + “Whence this bold intrusion, Sir Knight?” said De Vaux sternly, yet in a + tone which respected his master's slumbers. + </p> + <p> + “Hold! De Vaux,” said Richard, awaking on the instant; “Sir Kenneth cometh + like a good soldier to render an account of his guard. To such the + general's tent is ever accessible.” Then rising from his slumbering + posture, and leaning on his elbow, he fixed his large bright eye upon the + warrior—“Speak, Sir Scot; thou comest to tell me of a vigilant, + safe, and honourable watch, dost thou not? The rustling of the folds of + the Banner of England were enough to guard it, even without the body of + such a knight as men hold thee.” + </p> + <p> + “As men will hold me no more,” said Sir Kenneth. “My watch hath neither + been vigilant, safe, nor honourable. The Banner of England has been + carried off.” + </p> + <p> + “And thou alive to tell it!” said Richard, in a tone of derisive + incredulity. “Away, it cannot be. There is not even a scratch on thy face. + Why dost thou stand thus mute? Speak the truth—it is ill jesting + with a king; yet I will forgive thee if thou hast lied.” + </p> + <p> + “Lied, Sir King!” returned the unfortunate knight, with fierce emphasis, + and one glance of fire from his eye, bright and transient as the flash + from the cold and stony flint. “But this also must be endured. I have + spoken the truth.” + </p> + <p> + “By God and by Saint George!” said the King, bursting into fury, which, + however, he instantly checked. “De Vaux, go view the spot. This fever has + disturbed his brain. This cannot be. The man's courage is proof. It CANNOT + be! Go speedily—or send, if thou wilt not go.” + </p> + <p> + The King was interrupted by Sir Henry Neville, who came, breathless, to + say that the banner was gone, and the knight who guarded it overpowered, + and most probably murdered, as there was a pool of blood where the + banner-spear lay shivered. + </p> + <p> + “But whom do I see here?” said Neville, his eyes suddenly resting upon Sir + Kenneth. + </p> + <p> + “A traitor,” said the King, starting to his feet, and seizing the + curtal-axe, which was ever near his bed—“a traitor! whom thou shalt + see die a traitor's death.” And he drew back the weapon as in act to + strike. + </p> + <p> + Colourless, but firm as a marble statue, the Scot stood before him, with + his bare head uncovered by any protection, his eyes cast down to the + earth, his lips scarcely moving, yet muttering probably in prayer. + Opposite to him, and within the due reach for a blow, stood King Richard, + his large person wrapt in the folds of his camiscia, or ample gown of + linen, except where the violence of his action had flung the covering from + his right arm, shoulder, and a part of his breast, leaving to view a + specimen of a frame which might have merited his Saxon predecessor's + epithet of Ironside. He stood for an instant, prompt to strike; then + sinking the head of the weapon towards the ground, he exclaimed, “But + there was blood, Neville—there was blood upon the place. Hark thee, + Sir Scot—brave thou wert once, for I have seen thee fight. Say thou + hast slain two of the thieves in defence of the Standard—say but one—say + thou hast struck but a good blow in our behalf, and get thee out of the + camp with thy life and thy infamy!” + </p> + <p> + “You have called me liar, my Lord King,” replied Kenneth firmly; “and + therein, at least, you have done me wrong. Know that there was no blood + shed in defence of the Standard save that of a poor hound, which, more + faithful than his master, defended the charge which he deserted.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, by Saint George!” said Richard, again heaving up his arm. But De + Vaux threw himself between the King and the object of his vengeance, and + spoke with the blunt truth of his character, “My liege, this must not be—here, + nor by your hand. It is enough of folly for one night and day to have + entrusted your banner to a Scot. Said I not they were ever fair and + false?” [Such were the terms in which the English used to speak of their + poor northern neighbours, forgetting that their own encroachments upon the + independence of Scotland obliged the weaker nation to defend themselves by + policy as well as force. The disgrace must be divided between Edward I. + and Edward III., who enforced their domination over a free country, and + the Scots, who were compelled to take compulsory oaths, without any + purpose of keeping them.] + </p> + <p> + “Thou didst, De Vaux; thou wast right, and I confess it,” said Richard. “I + should have known him better—I should have remembered how the fox + William deceived me touching this Crusade.” + </p> + <p> + “My lord,” said Sir Kenneth, “William of Scotland never deceived; but + circumstances prevented his bringing his forces.” + </p> + <p> + “Peace, shameless!” said the King; “thou sulliest the name of a prince, + even by speaking it.—And yet, De Vaux, it is strange,” he added, “to + see the bearing of the man. Coward or traitor he must be, yet he abode the + blow of Richard Plantagenet as our arm had been raised to lay knighthood + on his shoulder. Had he shown the slightest sign of fear, had but a joint + trembled or an eyelid quivered, I had shattered his head like a crystal + goblet. But I cannot strike where there is neither fear nor resistance.” + </p> + <p> + There was a pause. + </p> + <p> + “My lord,” said Kenneth— + </p> + <p> + “Ha!” replied Richard, interrupting him, “hast thou found thy speech? Ask + grace from Heaven, but none from me; for England is dishonoured through + thy fault, and wert thou mine own and only brother, there is no pardon for + thy fault.” + </p> + <p> + “I speak not to demand grace of mortal man,” said the Scot; “it is in your + Grace's pleasure to give or refuse me time for Christian shrift—if + man denies it, may God grant me the absolution which I would otherwise ask + of His church! But whether I die on the instant, or half an hour hence, I + equally beseech your Grace for one moment's opportunity to speak that to + your royal person which highly concerns your fame as a Christian king.” + </p> + <p> + “Say on,” said the King, making no doubt that he was about to hear some + confession concerning the loss of the Banner. + </p> + <p> + “What I have to speak,” said Sir Kenneth, “touches the royalty of England, + and must be said to no ears but thine own.” + </p> + <p> + “Begone with yourselves, sirs,” said the King to Neville and De Vaux. + </p> + <p> + The first obeyed, but the latter would not stir from the King's presence. + </p> + <p> + “If you said I was in the right,” replied De Vaux to his sovereign, “I + will be treated as one should be who hath been found to be right—that + is, I will have my own will. I leave you not with this false Scot.” + </p> + <p> + “How! De Vaux,” said Richard angrily, and stamping slightly, “darest thou + not venture our person with one traitor?” + </p> + <p> + “It is in vain you frown and stamp, my lord,” said De Vaux; “I venture not + a sick man with a sound one, a naked man with one armed in proof.” + </p> + <p> + “It matters not,” said the Scottish knight; “I seek no excuse to put off + time. I will speak in presence of the Lord of Gilsland. He is good lord + and true.” + </p> + <p> + “But half an hour since,” said De Vaux, with a groan, implying a mixture + of sorrow and vexation, “and I had said as much for thee!” + </p> + <p> + “There is treason around you, King of England,” continued Sir Kenneth. + </p> + <p> + “It may well be as thou sayest,” replied Richard; “I have a pregnant + example.” + </p> + <p> + “Treason that will injure thee more deeply than the loss of a hundred + banners in a pitched field. The—the—” Sir Kenneth hesitated, + and at length continued, in a lower tone, “The Lady Edith—” + </p> + <p> + “Ha!” said the King, drawing himself suddenly into a state of haughty + attention, and fixing his eye firmly on the supposed criminal; “what of + her? what of her? What has she to do with this matter?” + </p> + <p> + “My lord,” said the Scot, “there is a scheme on foot to disgrace your + royal lineage, by bestowing the hand of the Lady Edith on the Saracen + Soldan, and thereby to purchase a peace most dishonourable to Christendom, + by an alliance most shameful to England.” + </p> + <p> + This communication had precisely the contrary effect from that which Sir + Kenneth expected. Richard Plantagenet was one of those who, in Iago's + words, would not serve God because it was the devil who bade him; advice + or information often affected him less according to its real import, than + through the tinge which it took from the supposed character and views of + those by whom it was communicated. Unfortunately, the mention of his + relative's name renewed his recollection of what he had considered as + extreme presumption in the Knight of the Leopard, even when he stood high + in the roll of chivalry, but which, in his present condition, appeared an + insult sufficient to drive the fiery monarch into a frenzy of passion. + </p> + <p> + “Silence,” he said, “infamous and audacious! By Heaven, I will have thy + tongue torn out with hot pincers, for mentioning the very name of a noble + Christian damsel! Know, degenerate traitor, that I was already aware to + what height thou hadst dared to raise thine eyes, and endured it, though + it were insolence, even when thou hadst cheated us—for thou art all + a deceit—into holding thee as of some name and fame. But now, with + lips blistered with the confession of thine own dishonour—that thou + shouldst NOW dare to name our noble kinswoman as one in whose fate thou + hast part or interest! What is it to thee if she marry Saracen or + Christian? What is it to thee if, in a camp where princes turn cowards by + day and robbers by night—where brave knights turn to paltry + deserters and traitors—what is it, I say, to thee, or any one, if I + should please to ally myself to truth and to valour, in the person of + Saladin?” + </p> + <p> + “Little to me, indeed, to whom all the world will soon be as nothing,” + answered Sir Kenneth boldly; “but were I now stretched on the rack, I + would tell thee that what I have said is much to thine own conscience and + thine own fame. I tell thee, Sir King, that if thou dost but in thought + entertain the purpose of wedding thy kinswoman, the Lady Edith—” + </p> + <p> + “Name her not—and for an instant think not of her,” said the King, + again straining the curtal-axe in his gripe, until the muscles started + above his brawny arm, like cordage formed by the ivy around the limb of an + oak. + </p> + <p> + “Not name—not think of her!” answered Sir Kenneth, his spirits, + stunned as they were by self-depression, beginning to recover their + elasticity from this species of controversy. “Now, by the Cross, on which + I place my hope, her name shall be the last word in my mouth, her image + the last thought in my mind. Try thy boasted strength on this bare brow, + and see if thou canst prevent my purpose.” + </p> + <p> + “He will drive me mad!” said Richard, who, in his despite, was once more + staggered in his purpose by the dauntless determination of the criminal. + </p> + <p> + Ere Thomas of Gilsland could reply, some bustle was heard without, and the + arrival of the Queen was announced from the outer part of the pavilion. + </p> + <p> + “Detain her—detain her, Neville,” cried the King; “this is no sight + for women.—Fie, that I have suffered such a paltry traitor to chafe + me thus!—Away with him, De Vaux,” he whispered, “through the back + entrance of our tent; coop him up close, and answer for his safe custody + with your life. And hark ye—he is presently to die—let him + have a ghostly father—we would not kill soul and body. And stay—hark + thee—we will not have him dishonoured—he shall die knightlike, + in his belt and spurs; for if his treachery be as black as hell, his + boldness may match that of the devil himself.” + </p> + <p> + De Vaux, right glad, if the truth may be guessed, that the scene ended + without Richard's descending to the unkingly act of himself slaying an + unresisting prisoner, made haste to remove Sir Kenneth by a private issue + to a separate tent, where he was disarmed, and put in fetters for + security. De Vaux looked on with a steady and melancholy attention, while + the provost's officers, to whom Sir Kenneth was now committed, took these + severe precautions. + </p> + <p> + When they were ended, he said solemnly to the unhappy criminal, “It is + King Richard's pleasure that you die undegraded—without mutilation + of your body, or shame to your arms—and that your head be severed + from the trunk by the sword of the executioner.” + </p> + <p> + “It is kind,” said the knight, in a low and rather submissive tone of + voice, as one who received an unexpected favour; “my family will not then + hear the worst of the tale. Oh, my father—my father!” + </p> + <p> + This muttered invocation did not escape the blunt but kindly-natured + Englishman, and he brushed the back of his large hand over his rough + features ere he could proceed. + </p> + <p> + “It is Richard of England's further pleasure,” he said at length, “that + you have speech with a holy man; and I have met on the passage hither with + a Carmelite friar, who may fit you for your passage. He waits without, + until you are in a frame of mind to receive him.” + </p> + <p> + “Let it be instantly,” said the knight. “In this also Richard is kind. I + cannot be more fit to see the good father at any time than now; for life + and I have taken farewell, as two travellers who have arrived at the + crossway, where their roads separate.” + </p> + <p> + “It is well,” said De Vaux slowly and solemnly; “for it irks me somewhat + to say that which sums my message. It is King Richard's pleasure that you + prepare for instant death.” + </p> + <p> + “God's pleasure and the King's be done,” replied the knight patiently. “I + neither contest the justice of the sentence, nor desire delay of the + execution.” + </p> + <p> + De Vaux began to leave the tent, but very slowly—paused at the door, + and looked back at the Scot, from whose aspect thoughts of the world + seemed banished, as if he was composing himself into deep devotion. The + feelings of the stout English baron were in general none of the most + acute, and yet, on the present occasion, his sympathy overpowered him in + an unusual manner. He came hastily back to the bundle of reeds on which + the captive lay, took one of his fettered hands, and said, with as much + softness as his rough voice was capable of expressing, “Sir Kenneth, thou + art yet young—thou hast a father. My Ralph, whom I left training his + little galloway nag on the banks of the Irthing, may one day attain thy + years, and, but for last night, would to God I saw his youth bear such + promise as thine! Can nothing be said or done in thy behalf?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing,” was the melancholy answer. “I have deserted my charge—the + banner entrusted to me is lost. When the headsman and block are prepared, + the head and trunk are ready to part company.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, then, God have mercy!” said De Vaux. “Yet would I rather than my + best horse I had taken that watch myself. There is mystery in it, young + man, as a plain man may descry, though he cannot see through it. + Cowardice? Pshaw! No coward ever fought as I have seen thee do. Treachery? + I cannot think traitors die in their treason so calmly. Thou hast been + trained from thy post by some deep guile—some well-devised stratagem—the + cry of some distressed maiden has caught thine ear, or the laughful look + of some merry one has taken thine eye. Never blush for it; we have all + been led aside by such gear. Come, I pray thee, make a clean conscience of + it to me, instead of the priest. Richard is merciful when his mood is + abated. Hast thou nothing to entrust to me?” + </p> + <p> + The unfortunate knight turned his face from the kind warrior, and + answered, “NOTHING.” + </p> + <p> + And De Vaux, who had exhausted his topics of persuasion, arose and left + the tent, with folded arms, and in melancholy deeper than he thought the + occasion merited—even angry with himself to find that so simple a + matter as the death of a Scottish man could affect him so nearly. + </p> + <p> + “Yet,” as he said to himself, “though the rough-footed knaves be our + enemies in Cumberland, in Palestine one almost considers them as + brethren.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 'Tis not her sense, for sure in that + There's nothing more than common; + And all her wit is only chat, + Like any other woman. + SONG. +</pre> + <p> + The high-born Berengaria, daughter of Sanchez, King of Navarre, and the + Queen-Consort of the heroic Richard, was accounted one of the most + beautiful women of the period. Her form was slight, though exquisitely + moulded. She was graced with a complexion not common in her country, a + profusion of fair hair, and features so extremely juvenile as to make her + look several years younger than she really was, though in reality she was + not above one-and-twenty. Perhaps it was under the consciousness of this + extremely juvenile appearance that she affected, or at least practised, a + little childish petulance and wilfulness of manner, not unbefitting, she + might suppose, a youthful bride, whose rank and age gave her a right to + have her fantasies indulged and attended to. She was by nature perfectly + good-humoured, and if her due share of admiration and homage (in her + opinion a very large one) was duly resigned to her, no one could possess + better temper or a more friendly disposition; but then, like all despots, + the more power that was voluntarily yielded to her, the more she desired + to extend her sway. Sometimes, even when all her ambition was gratified, + she chose to be a little out of health, and a little out of spirits; and + physicians had to toil their wits to invent names for imaginary maladies, + while her ladies racked their imagination for new games, new head-gear, + and new court-scandal, to pass away those unpleasant hours, during which + their own situation was scarce to be greatly envied. Their most frequent + resource for diverting this malady was some trick or piece of mischief + practised upon each other; and the good Queen, in the buoyancy of her + reviving spirits, was, to speak truth, rather too indifferent whether the + frolics thus practised were entirely befitting her own dignity, or whether + the pain which those suffered upon whom they were inflicted was not beyond + the proportion of pleasure which she herself derived from them. She was + confident in her husband's favour, in her high rank, and in her supposed + power to make good whatever such pranks might cost others. In a word, she + gambolled with the freedom of a young lioness, who is unconscious of the + weight of her own paws when laid on those whom she sports with. + </p> + <p> + The Queen Berengaria loved her husband passionately, but she feared the + loftiness and roughness of his character; and as she felt herself not to + be his match in intellect, was not much pleased to see that he would often + talk with Edith Plantagenet in preference to herself, simply because he + found more amusement in her conversation, a more comprehensive + understanding, and a more noble cast of thoughts and sentiments, than his + beautiful consort exhibited. Berengaria did not hate Edith on this + account, far less meditate her any harm; for, allowing for some + selfishness, her character was, on the whole, innocent and generous. But + the ladies of her train, sharpsighted in such matters, had for some time + discovered that a poignant jest at the expense of the Lady Edith was a + specific for relieving her Grace of England's low spirits, and the + discovery saved their imagination much toil. + </p> + <p> + There was something ungenerous in this, because the Lady Edith was + understood to be an orphan; and though she was called Plantagenet, and the + fair Maid of Anjou, and admitted by Richard to certain privileges only + granted to the royal family, and held her place in the circle accordingly, + yet few knew, and none acquainted with the Court of England ventured to + ask, in what exact degree of relationship she stood to Coeur de Lion. She + had come with Eleanor, the celebrated Queen Mother of England, and joined + Richard at Messina, as one of the ladies destined to attend on Berengaria, + whose nuptials then approached. Richard treated his kinswoman with much + respectful observance, and the Queen made her her most constant attendant, + and, even in despite of the petty jealousy which we have observed, treated + her, generally, with suitable respect. + </p> + <p> + The ladies of the household had, for a long time, no further advantage + over Edith than might be afforded by an opportunity of censuring a less + artfully disposed head attire or an unbecoming robe; for the lady was + judged to be inferior in these mysteries. The silent devotion of the + Scottish knight did not, indeed, pass unnoticed; his liveries, his + cognizances, his feats of arms, his mottoes and devices, were nearly + watched, and occasionally made the subject of a passing jest. But then + came the pilgrimage of the Queen and her ladies to Engaddi, a journey + which the Queen had undertaken under a vow for the recovery of her + husband's health, and which she had been encouraged to carry into effect + by the Archbishop of Tyre for a political purpose. It was then, and in the + chapel at that holy place, connected from above with a Carmelite nunnery, + from beneath with the cell of the anchorite, that one of the Queen's + attendants remarked that secret sign of intelligence which Edith had made + to her lover, and failed not instantly to communicate it to her Majesty. + The Queen returned from her pilgrimage enriched with this admirable recipe + against dullness or ennui; and her train was at the same time augmented by + a present of two wretched dwarfs from the dethroned Queen of Jerusalem, as + deformed and as crazy (the excellence of that unhappy species) as any + Queen could have desired. One of Berengaria's idle amusements had been to + try the effect of the sudden appearance of such ghastly and fantastic + forms on the nerves of the Knight when left alone in the chapel; but the + jest had been lost by the composure of the Scot and the interference of + the anchorite. She had now tried another, of which the consequences + promised to be more serious. + </p> + <p> + The ladies again met after Sir Kenneth had retired from the tent, and the + Queen, at first little moved by Edith's angry expostulations, only replied + to her by upbraiding her prudery, and by indulging her wit at the expense + of the garb, nation, and, above all the poverty of the Knight of the + Leopard, in which she displayed a good deal of playful malice, mingled + with some humour, until Edith was compelled to carry her anxiety to her + separate apartment. But when, in the morning, a female whom Edith had + entrusted to make inquiry brought word that the Standard was missing, and + its champion vanished, she burst into the Queen's apartment, and implored + her to rise and proceed to the King's tent without delay, and use her + powerful mediation to prevent the evil consequences of her jest. + </p> + <p> + The Queen, frightened in her turn, cast, as is usual, the blame of her own + folly on those around her, and endeavoured to comfort Edith's grief, and + appease her displeasure, by a thousand inconsistent arguments. She was + sure no harm had chanced—the knight was sleeping, she fancied, after + his night-watch. What though, for fear of the King's displeasure, he had + deserted with the Standard—it was but a piece of silk, and he but a + needy adventurer; or if he was put under warding for a time, she would + soon get the King to pardon him—it was but waiting to let Richard's + mood pass away. + </p> + <p> + Thus she continued talking thick and fast, and heaping together all sorts + of inconsistencies, with the vain expectation of persuading both Edith and + herself that no harm could come of a frolic which in her heart she now + bitterly repented. But while Edith in vain strove to intercept this + torrent of idle talk, she caught the eye of one of the ladies who entered + the Queen's apartment. There was death in her look of affright and horror, + and Edith, at the first glance of her countenance, had sunk at once on the + earth, had not strong necessity and her own elevation of character enabled + her to maintain at least external composure. + </p> + <p> + “Madam,” she said to the Queen, “lose not another word in speaking, but + save life—if, indeed,” she added, her voice choking as she said it, + “life may yet be saved.” + </p> + <p> + “It may, it may,” answered the Lady Calista. “I have just heard that he + has been brought before the King. It is not yet over—but,” she + added, bursting into a vehement flood of weeping, in which personal + apprehensions had some share, “it will soon, unless some course be taken.” + </p> + <p> + “I will vow a golden candlestick to the Holy Sepulchre, a shrine of silver + to our Lady of Engaddi, a pall, worth one hundred byzants, to Saint Thomas + of Orthez,” said the Queen in extremity. + </p> + <p> + “Up, up, madam!” said Edith; “call on the saints if you list, but be your + own best saint.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, madam,” said the terrified attendant, “the Lady Edith speaks + truth. Up, madam, and let us to King Richard's tent and beg the poor + gentleman's life.” + </p> + <p> + “I will go—I will go instantly,” said the Queen, rising and + trembling excessively; while her women, in as great confusion as herself, + were unable to render her those duties which were indispensable to her + levee. Calm, composed, only pale as death, Edith ministered to the Queen + with her own hand, and alone supplied the deficiencies of her numerous + attendants. + </p> + <p> + “How you wait, wenches!” said the Queen, not able even then to forget + frivolous distinctions. “Suffer ye the Lady Edith to do the duties of your + attendance? Seest thou, Edith, they can do nothing; I shall never be + attired in time. We will send for the Archbishop of Tyre, and employ him + as a mediator.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no, no!” exclaimed Edith. “Go yourself madam; you have done the evil, + do you confer the remedy.” + </p> + <p> + “I will go—I will go,” said the Queen; “but if Richard be in his + mood, I dare not speak to him—he will kill me!” + </p> + <p> + “Yet go, gracious madam,” said the Lady Calista, who best knew her + mistress's temper; “not a lion, in his fury, could look upon such a face + and form, and retain so much as an angry thought, far less a love-true + knight like the royal Richard, to whom your slightest word would be a + command.” + </p> + <p> + “Dost thou think so, Calista?” said the Queen. “Ah, thou little knowest + yet I will go. But see you here, what means this? You have bedizened me in + green, a colour he detests. Lo you! let me have a blue robe, and—search + for the ruby carcanet, which was part of the King of Cyprus's ransom; it + is either in the steel casket, or somewhere else.” + </p> + <p> + “This, and a man's life at stake!” said Edith indignantly; “it passes + human patience. Remain at your ease, madam; I will go to King Richard. I + am a party interested. I will know if the honour of a poor maiden of his + blood is to be so far tampered with that her name shall be abused to train + a brave gentleman from his duty, bring him within the compass of death and + infamy, and make, at the same time, the glory of England a laughing-stock + to the whole Christian army.” + </p> + <p> + At this unexpected burst of passion, Berengaria listened with an almost + stupefied look of fear and wonder. But as Edith was about to leave the + tent, she exclaimed, though faintly, “Stop her, stop her!” + </p> + <p> + “You must indeed stop, noble Lady Edith,” said Calista, taking her arm + gently; “and you, royal madam, I am sure, will go, and without further + dallying. If the Lady Edith goes alone to the King, he will be dreadfully + incensed, nor will it be one life that will stay his fury.” + </p> + <p> + “I will go—I will go,” said the Queen, yielding to necessity; and + Edith reluctantly halted to wait her movements. + </p> + <p> + They were now as speedy as she could have desired. The Queen hastily + wrapped herself in a large loose mantle, which covered all inaccuracies of + the toilet. In this guise, attended by Edith and her women, and preceded + and followed by a few officers and men-at-arms, she hastened to the tent + of her lionlike husband. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Were every hair upon his head a life, + And every life were to be supplicated + By numbers equal to those hairs quadrupled, + Life after life should out like waning stars + Before the daybreak—or as festive lamps, + Which have lent lustre to the midnight revel, + Each after each are quench'd when guests depart! + OLD PLAY +</pre> + <p> + The entrance of Queen Berengaria into the interior of Richard's pavilion + was withstood—in the most respectful and reverential manner indeed, + but still withstood—by the chamberlains who watched in the outer + tent. She could hear the stern command of the King from within, + prohibiting their entrance. + </p> + <p> + “You see,” said the Queen, appealing to Edith, as if she had exhausted all + means of intercession in her power; “I knew it—the King will not + receive us.” + </p> + <p> + At the same time, they heard Richard speak to some one within:—“Go, + speed thine office quickly, sirrah, for in that consists thy mercy—ten + byzants if thou dealest on him at one blow. And hark thee, villain, + observe if his cheek loses colour, or his eye falters; mark me the + smallest twitch of the features, or wink of the eyelid. I love to know how + brave souls meet death.” + </p> + <p> + “If he sees my blade waved aloft without shrinking, he is the first ever + did so,” answered a harsh, deep voice, which a sense of unusual awe had + softened into a sound much lower than its usual coarse tones. + </p> + <p> + Edith could remain silent no longer. “If your Grace,” she said to the + Queen, “make not your own way, I make it for you; or if not for your + Majesty, for myself at least.—Chamberlain, the Queen demands to see + King Richard—the wife to speak with her husband.” + </p> + <p> + “Noble lady,” said the officer, lowering his wand of office, “it grieves + me to gainsay you, but his Majesty is busied on matters of life and + death.” + </p> + <p> + “And we seek also to speak with him on matters of life and death,” said + Edith. “I will make entrance for your Grace.” And putting aside the + chamberlain with one hand, she laid hold on the curtain with the other. + </p> + <p> + “I dare not gainsay her Majesty's pleasure,” said the chamberlain, + yielding to the vehemence of the fair petitioner; and as he gave way, the + Queen found herself obliged to enter the apartment of Richard. + </p> + <p> + The Monarch was lying on his couch, and at some distance, as awaiting his + further commands, stood a man whose profession it was not difficult to + conjecture. He was clothed in a jerkin of red cloth, which reached scantly + below the shoulders, leaving the arms bare from about half way above the + elbow; and as an upper garment, he wore, when about as at present to + betake himself to his dreadful office, a coat or tabard without sleeves, + something like that of a herald, made of dressed bull's hide, and stained + in the front with many a broad spot and speckle of dull crimson. The + jerkin, and the tabard over it, reached the knee; and the nether stocks, + or covering of the legs, were of the same leather which composed the + tabard. A cap of rough shag served to hide the upper part of a visage + which, like that of a screech owl, seemed desirous to conceal itself from + light, the lower part of the face being obscured by a huge red beard, + mingling with shaggy locks of the same colour. What features were seen + were stern and misanthropical. The man's figure was short, strongly made, + with a neck like a bull, very broad shoulders, arms of great and + disproportioned length, a huge square trunk, and thick bandy legs. This + truculent official leant on a sword, the blade of which was nearly four + feet and a half in length, while the handle of twenty inches, surrounded + by a ring of lead plummets to counterpoise the weight of such a blade, + rose considerably above the man's head as he rested his arm upon its hilt, + waiting for King Richard's further directions. + </p> + <p> + On the sudden entrance of the ladies, Richard, who was then lying on his + couch with his face towards the entrance, and resting on his elbow as he + spoke to his grisly attendant, flung himself hastily, as if displeased and + surprised, to the other side, turning his back to the Queen and the + females of her train, and drawing around him the covering of his couch, + which, by his own choice, or more probably the flattering selection of his + chamberlains, consisted of two large lions' skins, dressed in Venice with + such admirable skill that they seemed softer than the hide of the deer. + </p> + <p> + Berengaria, such as we have described her, knew well—what woman + knows not?—her own road to victory. After a hurried glance of + undisguised and unaffected terror at the ghastly companion of her + husband's secret counsels, she rushed at once to the side of Richard's + couch, dropped on her knees, flung her mantle from her shoulders, showing, + as they hung down at their full length, her beautiful golden tresses, and + while her countenance seemed like the sun bursting through a cloud, yet + bearing on its pallid front traces that its splendours have been obscured, + she seized upon the right hand of the King, which, as he assumed his + wonted posture, had been employed in dragging the covering of his couch, + and gradually pulling it to her with a force which was resisted, though + but faintly, she possessed herself of that arm, the prop of Christendom + and the dread of Heathenesse, and imprisoning its strength in both her + little fairy hands, she bent upon it her brow, and united to it her lips. + </p> + <p> + “What needs this, Berengaria?” said Richard, his head still averted, but + his hand remaining under her control. + </p> + <p> + “Send away that man, his look kills me!” muttered Berengaria. + </p> + <p> + “Begone, sirrah,” said Richard, still without looking round, “What wait'st + thou for? art thou fit to look on these ladies?” + </p> + <p> + “Your Highness's pleasure touching the head,” said the man. + </p> + <p> + “Out with thee, dog!” answered Richard—“a Christian burial!” The man + disappeared, after casting a look upon the beautiful Queen, in her + deranged dress and natural loveliness, with a smile of admiration more + hideous in its expression than even his usual scowl of cynical hatred + against humanity. + </p> + <p> + “And now, foolish wench, what wishest thou?” said Richard, turning slowly + and half reluctantly round to his royal suppliant. + </p> + <p> + But it was not in nature for any one, far less an admirer of beauty like + Richard, to whom it stood only in the second rank to glory, to look + without emotion on the countenance and the tremor of a creature so + beautiful as Berengaria, or to feel, without sympathy, that her lips, her + brow, were on his hand, and that it was wetted by her tears. By degrees, + he turned on her his manly countenance, with the softest expression of + which his large blue eye, which so often gleamed with insufferable light, + was capable. Caressing her fair head, and mingling his large fingers in + her beautiful and dishevelled locks, he raised and tenderly kissed the + cherub countenance which seemed desirous to hide itself in his hand. The + robust form, the broad, noble brow and majestic looks, the naked arm and + shoulder, the lions' skins among which he lay, and the fair, fragile + feminine creature that kneeled by his side, might have served for a model + of Hercules reconciling himself, after a quarrel, to his wife Dejanira. + </p> + <p> + “And, once more, what seeks the lady of my heart in her knight's pavilion + at this early and unwonted hour?” + </p> + <p> + “Pardon, my most gracious liege—pardon!” said the Queen, whose fears + began again to unfit her for the duty of intercessor. + </p> + <p> + “Pardon—for what?” asked the King. + </p> + <p> + “First, for entering your royal presence too boldly and unadvisedly—” + </p> + <p> + She stopped. + </p> + <p> + “THOU too boldly!—the sun might as well ask pardon because his rays + entered the windows of some wretch's dungeon. But I was busied with work + unfit for thee to witness, my gentle one; and I was unwilling, besides, + that thou shouldst risk thy precious health where sickness had been so + lately rife.” + </p> + <p> + “But thou art now well?” said the Queen, still delaying the communication + which she feared to make. + </p> + <p> + “Well enough to break a lance on the bold crest of that champion who shall + refuse to acknowledge thee the fairest dame in Christendom.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou wilt not then refuse me one boon—only one—only a poor + life?” + </p> + <p> + “Ha!—proceed,” said King Richard, bending his brows. + </p> + <p> + “This unhappy Scottish knight—” murmured the Queen. + </p> + <p> + “Speak not of him, madam,” exclaimed Richard sternly; “he dies—his + doom is fixed.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, my royal liege and love, 'tis but a silken banner neglected. + Berengaria will give thee another broidered with her own hand, and rich as + ever dallied with the wind. Every pearl I have shall go to bedeck it, and + with every pearl I will drop a tear of thankfulness to my generous + knight.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou knowest not what thou sayest,” said the King, interrupting her in + anger. “Pearls! can all the pearls of the East atone for a speck upon + England's honour—all the tears that ever woman's eye wept wash away + a stain on Richard's fame? Go to, madam, know your place, and your time, + and your sphere. At present we have duties in which you cannot be our + partner.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou hearest, Edith,” whispered the Queen; “we shall but incense him.” + </p> + <p> + “Be it so,” said Edith, stepping forward.—“My lord, I, your poor + kinswoman, crave you for justice rather than mercy; and to the cry of + justice the ears of a monarch should be open at every time, place, and + circumstance.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha! our cousin Edith?” said Richard, rising and sitting upright on the + side of his couch, covered with his long camiscia. “She speaks ever + kinglike, and kinglike will I answer her, so she bring no request unworthy + herself or me.” + </p> + <p> + The beauty of Edith was of a more intellectual and less voluptuous cast + than that of the Queen; but impatience and anxiety had given her + countenance a glow which it sometimes wanted, and her mien had a character + of energetic dignity that imposed silence for a moment even on Richard + himself, who, to judge by his looks, would willingly have interrupted her. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0006m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0006m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0006.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + “My lord,” she said, “this good knight, whose blood you are about to + spill, hath done, in his time, service to Christendom. He has fallen from + his duty through a snare set for him in mere folly and idleness of spirit. + A message sent to him in the name of one who—why should I not speak + it?—it was in my own—induced him for an instant to leave his + post. And what knight in the Christian camp might not have thus far + transgressed at command of a maiden, who, poor howsoever in other + qualities, hath yet the blood of Plantagenet in her veins?” + </p> + <p> + “And you saw him, then, cousin?” replied the King, biting his lips to keep + down his passion. + </p> + <p> + “I did, my liege,” said Edith. “It is no time to explain wherefore. I am + here neither to exculpate myself nor to blame others.” + </p> + <p> + “And where did you do him such a grace?” + </p> + <p> + “In the tent of her Majesty the Queen.” + </p> + <p> + “Of our royal consort!” said Richard. “Now by Heaven, by Saint George of + England, and every other saint that treads its crystal floor, this is too + audacious! I have noticed and overlooked this warrior's insolent + admiration of one so far above him, and I grudged him not that one of my + blood should shed from her high-born sphere such influence as the sun + bestows on the world beneath. But, heaven and earth! that you should have + admitted him to an audience by night, in the very tent of our royal + consort!—and dare to offer this as an excuse for his disobedience + and desertion! By my father's soul, Edith, thou shalt rue this thy life + long in a monastery!” + </p> + <p> + “My liege,” said Edith, “your greatness licenses tyranny. My honour, Lord + King, is as little touched as yours, and my Lady the Queen can prove it if + she think fit. But I have already said I am not here to excuse myself or + inculpate others. I ask you but to extend to one, whose fault was + committed under strong temptation, that mercy, which even you yourself, + Lord King, must one day supplicate at a higher tribunal, and for faults, + perhaps, less venial.” + </p> + <p> + “Can this be Edith Plantagenet?” said the King bitterly—“Edith + Plantagenet, the wise and the noble? Or is it some lovesick woman who + cares not for her own fame in comparison of the life of her paramour? Now, + by King Henry's soul! little hinders but I order thy minion's skull to be + brought from the gibbet, and fixed as a perpetual ornament by the crucifix + in thy cell!” + </p> + <p> + “And if thou dost send it from the gibbet to be placed for ever in my + sight,” said Edith, “I will say it is a relic of a good knight, cruelly + and unworthily done to death by” (she checked herself)—“by one of + whom I shall only say, he should have known better how to reward chivalry. + Minion callest thou him?” she continued, with increasing vehemence. “He + was indeed my lover, and a most true one; but never sought he grace from + me by look or word—contented with such humble observance as men pay + to the saints. And the good—the valiant—the faithful must die + for this!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, peace, peace, for pity's sake,” whispered the Queen, “you do but + offend him more!” + </p> + <p> + “I care not,” said Edith; “the spotless virgin fears not the raging lion. + Let him work his will on this worthy knight. Edith, for whom he dies, will + know how to weep his memory. To me no one shall speak more of politic + alliances to be sanctioned with this poor hand. I could not—I would + not—have been his bride living—our degrees were too distant. + But death unites the high and the low—I am henceforward the spouse + of the grave.” + </p> + <p> + The King was about to answer with much anger, when a Carmelite monk + entered the apartment hastily, his head and person muffled in the long + mantle and hood of striped cloth of the coarsest texture which + distinguished his order, and, flinging himself on his knees before the + King, conjured him, by every holy word and sign, to stop the execution. + </p> + <p> + “Now, by both sword and sceptre,” said Richard, “the world is leagued to + drive me mad!—fools, women, and monks cross me at every step. How + comes he to live still?” + </p> + <p> + “My gracious liege,” said the monk, “I entreated of the Lord of Gilsland + to stay the execution until I had thrown myself at your royal—” + </p> + <p> + “And he was wilful enough to grant thy request,” said the King; “but it is + of a piece with his wonted obstinacy. And what is it thou hast to say? + Speak, in the fiend's name!” + </p> + <p> + “My lord, there is a weighty secret, but it rests under the seal of + confession. I dare not tell or even whisper it; but I swear to thee by my + holy order, by the habit which I wear, by the blessed Elias, our founder, + even him who was translated without suffering the ordinary pangs of + mortality, that this youth hath divulged to me a secret, which, if I might + confide it to thee, would utterly turn thee from thy bloody purpose in + regard to him.” + </p> + <p> + “Good father,” said Richard, “that I reverence the church, let the arms + which I now wear for her sake bear witness. Give me to know this secret, + and I will do what shall seem fitting in the matter. But I am no blind + Bayard, to take a leap in the dark under the stroke of a pair of priestly + spurs.” + </p> + <p> + “My lord,” said the holy man, throwing back his cowl and upper vesture, + and discovering under the latter a garment of goatskin, and from beneath + the former a visage so wildly wasted by climate, fast, and penance, as to + resemble rather the apparition of an animated skeleton than a human face, + “for twenty years have I macerated this miserable body in the caverns of + Engaddi, doing penance for a great crime. Think you I, who am dead to the + world, would contrive a falsehood to endanger my own soul; or that one, + bound by the most sacred oaths to the contrary—one such as I, who + have but one longing wish connected with earth, to wit, the rebuilding of + our Christian Zion—would betray the secrets of the confessional? + Both are alike abhorrent to my very soul.” + </p> + <p> + “So,” answered the King, “thou art that hermit of whom men speak so much? + Thou art, I confess, like enough to those spirits which walk in dry + places; but Richard fears no hobgoblins. And thou art he, too, as I + bethink me, to whom the Christian princes sent this very criminal to open + a communication with the Soldan, even while I, who ought to have been + first consulted, lay on my sick-bed? Thou and they may content themselves—I + will not put my neck into the loop of a Carmelite's girdle. And, for your + envoy, he shall die the rather and the sooner that thou dost entreat for + him.” + </p> + <p> + “Now God be gracious to thee, Lord King!” said the hermit, with much + emotion; “thou art setting that mischief on foot which thou wilt hereafter + wish thou hadst stopped, though it had cost thee a limb. Rash, blinded + man, yet forbear!” + </p> + <p> + “Away, away,” cried the King, stamping; “the sun has risen on the + dishonour of England, and it is not yet avenged.—Ladies and priest, + withdraw, if you would not hear orders which would displease you; for, by + St. George, I swear—” + </p> + <p> + “Swear NOT!” said the voice of one who had just then entered the pavilion. + </p> + <p> + “Ha! my learned Hakim,” said the King, “come, I hope, to tax our + generosity.” + </p> + <p> + “I come to request instant speech with you—instant—and + touching matters of deep interest.” + </p> + <p> + “First look on my wife, Hakim, and let her know in you the preserver of + her husband.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not for me,” said the physician, folding his arms with an air of + Oriental modesty and reverence, and bending his eyes on the ground—“it + is not for me to look upon beauty unveiled, and armed in its splendours.” + </p> + <p> + “Retire, then, Berengaria,” said the Monarch; “and, Edith, do you retire + also;—nay, renew not your importunities! This I give to them that + the execution shall not be till high noon. Go and be pacified—dearest + Berengaria, begone.—Edith,” he added, with a glance which struck + terror even into the courageous soul of his kinswoman, “go, if you are + wise.” + </p> + <p> + The females withdrew, or rather hurried from the tent, rank and ceremony + forgotten, much like a flock of wild-fowl huddled together, against whom + the falcon has made a recent stoop. + </p> + <p> + They returned from thence to the Queen's pavilion to indulge in regrets + and recriminations, equally unavailing. Edith was the only one who seemed + to disdain these ordinary channels of sorrow. Without a sigh, without a + tear, without a word of upbraiding, she attended upon the Queen, whose + weak temperament showed her sorrow in violent hysterical ecstasies and + passionate hypochondriacal effusions, in the course of which Edith + sedulously and even affectionately attended her. + </p> + <p> + “It is impossible she can have loved this knight,” said Florise to + Calista, her senior in attendance upon the Queen's person. “We have been + mistaken; she is but sorry for his fate, as for a stranger who has come to + trouble on her account.” + </p> + <p> + “Hush, hush,” answered her more experienced and more observant comrade; + “she is of that proud house of Plantagenet who never own that a hurt + grieves them. While they have themselves been bleeding to death, under a + mortal wound, they have been known to bind up the scratches sustained by + their more faint-hearted comrades. Florise, we have done frightfully + wrong, and, for my own part, I would buy with every jewel I have that our + fatal jest had remained unacted.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + This work desires a planetary intelligence + Of Jupiter and Sol; and those great spirits + Are proud, fantastical. It asks great charges + To entice them from the guiding of their spheres, + To wait on mortals. + ALBUMAZAR. +</pre> + <p> + The hermit followed the ladies from the pavilion of Richard, as shadow + follows a beam of sunshine when the clouds are driving over the face of + the sun. But he turned on the threshold, and held up his hand towards the + King in a warning, or almost a menacing posture, as he said, “Woe to him + who rejects the counsel of the church, and betaketh himself to the foul + divan of the infidel! King Richard, I do not yet shake the dust from my + feet and depart from thy encampment; the sword falls not—but it + hangs but by a hair. Haughty monarch, we shall meet again.” + </p> + <p> + “Be it so, haughty priest,” returned Richard, “prouder in thy goatskins + than princes in purple and fine linen.” + </p> + <p> + The hermit vanished from the tent, and the King continued, addressing the + Arabian, “Do the dervises of the East, wise Hakim, use such familiarity + with their princes?” + </p> + <p> + “The dervise,” replied Adonbec, “should be either a sage or a madman; + there is no middle course for him who wears the khirkhah, [Literally, the + torn robe. The habit of the dervises is so called.] who watches by night, + and fasts by day. Hence hath he either wisdom enough to bear himself + discreetly in the presence of princes; or else, having no reason bestowed + on him, he is not responsible for his own actions.” + </p> + <p> + “Methinks our monks have adopted chiefly the latter character,” said + Richard. “But to the matter. In what can I pleasure you, my learned + physician?” + </p> + <p> + “Great King,” said El Hakim, making his profound Oriental obeisance, “let + thy servant speak one word, and yet live. I would remind thee that thou + owest—not to me, their humble instrument—but to the + Intelligences, whose benefits I dispense to mortals, a life—” + </p> + <p> + “And I warrant me thou wouldst have another in requital, ha?” interrupted + the King. + </p> + <p> + “Such is my humble prayer,” said the Hakim, “to the great Melech Ric—even + the life of this good knight, who is doomed to die, and but for such fault + as was committed by the Sultan Adam, surnamed Aboulbeschar, or the father + of all men.” + </p> + <p> + “And thy wisdom might remind thee, Hakim, that Adam died for it,” said the + King, somewhat sternly, and then began to pace the narrow space of his + tent with some emotion, and to talk to himself. “Why, God-a-mercy, I knew + what he desired as soon as ever he entered the pavilion! Here is one poor + life justly condemned to extinction, and I, a king and a soldier, who have + slain thousands by my command, and scores with my own hand, am to have no + power over it, although the honour of my arms, of my house, of my very + Queen, hath been attainted by the culprit. By Saint George, it makes me + laugh! By Saint Louis, it reminds me of Blondel's tale of an enchanted + castle, where the destined knight was withstood successively in his + purpose of entrance by forms and figures the most dissimilar, but all + hostile to his undertaking! No sooner one sunk than another appeared! Wife—kinswoman—hermit—Hakim-each + appears in the lists as soon as the other is defeated! Why, this is a + single knight fighting against the whole MELEE of the tournament—ha! + ha! ha!” And Richard laughed aloud; for he had, in fact, begun to change + his mood, his resentment being usually too violent to be of long + endurance. + </p> + <p> + The physician meanwhile looked on him with a countenance of surprise, not + unmingled with contempt; for the Eastern people make no allowance for + these mercurial changes in the temper, and consider open laughter, upon + almost any account, as derogatory to the dignity of man, and becoming only + to women and children. At length the sage addressed the King when he saw + him more composed:— + </p> + <p> + “A doom of death should not issue from laughing lips. Let thy servant hope + that thou hast granted him this man's life.” + </p> + <p> + “Take the freedom of a thousand captives instead,” said Richard; “restore + so many of thy countrymen to their tents and families, and I will give the + warrant instantly. This man's life can avail thee nothing, and it is + forfeited.” + </p> + <p> + “All our lives are forfeited,” said the Hakim, putting his hand to his + cap. “But the great Creditor is merciful, and exacts not the pledge + rigorously nor untimely.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou canst show me,” said Richard, “no special interest thou hast to + become intercessor betwixt me and the execution of justice, to which I am + sworn as a crowned king.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou art sworn to the dealing forth mercy as well as justice,” said El + Hakim; “but what thou seekest, great King, is the execution of thine own + will. And for the concern I have in this request, know that many a man's + life depends upon thy granting this boon.” + </p> + <p> + “Explain thy words,” said Richard; “but think not to impose upon me by + false pretexts.” + </p> + <p> + “Be it far from thy servant!” said Adonbec. “Know, then, that the medicine + to which thou, Sir King, and many one besides, owe their recovery, is a + talisman, composed under certain aspects of the heavens, when the Divine + Intelligences are most propitious. I am but the poor administrator of its + virtues. I dip it in a cup of water, observe the fitting hour to + administer it to the patient, and the potency of the draught works the + cure.” + </p> + <p> + “A most rare medicine,” said the King, “and a commodious! and, as it may + be carried in the leech's purse, would save the whole caravan of camels + which they require to convey drugs and physic stuff; I marvel there is any + other in use.” + </p> + <p> + “It is written,” answered the Hakim, with imperturbable gravity, “'Abuse + not the steed which hath borne thee from the battle.' Know that such + talismans might indeed be framed, but rare has been the number of adepts + who have dared to undertake the application of their virtue. Severe + restrictions, painful observances, fasts, and penance, are necessary on + the part of the sage who uses this mode of cure; and if, through neglect + of these preparations, by his love of ease, or his indulgence of sensual + appetite, he omits to cure at least twelve persons within the course of + each moon, the virtue of the divine gift departs from the amulet, and both + the last patient and the physician will be exposed to speedy misfortune, + neither will they survive the year. I require yet one life to make up the + appointed number.” + </p> + <p> + “Go out into the camp, good Hakim, where thou wilt find a-many,” said the + King, “and do not seek to rob my headsman of HIS patients; it is + unbecoming a mediciner of thine eminence to interfere with the practice of + another. Besides, I cannot see how delivering a criminal from the death he + deserves should go to make up thy tale of miraculous cures.” + </p> + <p> + “When thou canst show why a draught of cold water should have cured thee + when the most precious drugs failed,” said the Hakim, “thou mayest reason + on the other mysteries attendant on this matter. For myself, I am + inefficient to the great work, having this morning touched an unclean + animal. Ask, therefore, no further questions; it is enough that, by + sparing this man's life at my request, you will deliver yourself, great + King, and thy servant, from a great danger.” + </p> + <p> + “Hark thee, Adonbec,” replied the King, “I have no objection that leeches + should wrap their words in mist, and pretend to derive knowledge from the + stars; but when you bid Richard Plantagenet fear that a danger will fall + upon HIM from some idle omen, or omitted ceremonial, you speak to no + ignorant Saxon, or doting old woman, who foregoes her purpose because a + hare crosses the path, a raven croaks, or a cat sneezes.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot hinder your doubt of my words,” said Adonbec; “but yet let my + Lord the King grant that truth is on the tongue of his servant—will + he think it just to deprive the world, and every wretch who may suffer by + the pains which so lately reduced him to that couch, of the benefit of + this most virtuous talisman, rather than extend his forgiveness to one + poor criminal? Bethink you, Lord King, that, though thou canst slay + thousands, thou canst not restore one man to health. Kings have the power + of Satan to torment, sages that of Allah to heal—beware how thou + hinderest the good to humanity which thou canst not thyself render. Thou + canst cut off the head, but not cure the aching tooth.” + </p> + <p> + “This is over-insolent,” said the King, hardening himself, as the Hakim + assumed a more lofty and almost a commanding tone. “We took thee for our + leech, not for our counsellor or conscience-keeper.” + </p> + <p> + “And is it thus the most renowned Prince of Frangistan repays benefit done + to his royal person?” said El Hakim, exchanging the humble and stooping + posture in which he had hitherto solicited the King, for an attitude lofty + and commanding. “Know, then,” he said, “that: through every court of + Europe and Asia—to Moslem and Nazarene—to knight and lady—wherever + harp is heard and sword worn—wherever honour is loved and infamy + detested—to every quarter of the world—will I denounce thee, + Melech Ric, as thankless and ungenerous; and even the lands—if there + be any such—that never heard of thy renown shall yet be acquainted + with thy shame!” + </p> + <p> + “Are these terms to me, vile infidel?” said Richard, striding up to him in + fury. “Art weary of thy life?” + </p> + <p> + “Strike!” said El Hakim; “thine own deed shall then paint thee more + worthless than could my words, though each had a hornet's sting.” + </p> + <p> + Richard turned fiercely from him, folded his arms, traversed the tent as + before, and then exclaimed, “Thankless and ungenerous!—as well be + termed coward and infidel! Hakim, thou hast chosen thy boon; and though I + had rather thou hadst asked my crown jewels, yet I may not, kinglike, + refuse thee. Take this Scot, therefore, to thy keeping; the provost will + deliver him to thee on this warrant.” + </p> + <p> + He hastily traced one or two lines, and gave them to the physician. “Use + him as thy bond-slave, to be disposed of as thou wilt—only, let him + beware how he comes before the eyes of Richard. Hark thee—thou art + wise—he hath been over-bold among those in whose fair looks and weak + judgments we trust our honour, as you of the East lodge your treasures in + caskets of silver wire, as fine and as frail as the web of a gossamer.” + </p> + <p> + “Thy servant understands the words of the King,” said the sage, at once + resuming the reverent style of address in which he had commenced. “When + the rich carpet is soiled, the fool pointeth to the stain—the wise + man covers it with his mantle. I have heard my lord's pleasure, and to + hear is to obey.” + </p> + <p> + “It is well,” said the King; “let him consult his own safety, and never + appear in my presence more. Is there aught else in which I may do thee + pleasure?” + </p> + <p> + “The bounty of the King hath filled my cup to the brim,” said the sage—“yea, + it hath been abundant as the fountain which sprung up amid the camp of the + descendants of Israel when the rock was stricken by the rod of Moussa Ben + Amram.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, but,” said the King, smiling, “it required, as in the desert, a hard + blow on the rock ere it yielded its treasures. I would that I knew + something to pleasure thee, which I might yield as freely as the natural + fountain sends forth its waters.” + </p> + <p> + “Let me touch that victorious hand,” said the sage, “in token that if + Adonbec el Hakim should hereafter demand a boon of Richard of England, he + may do so, yet plead his command.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou hast hand and glove upon it, man,” replied Richard; “only, if thou + couldst consistently make up thy tale of patients without craving me to + deliver from punishment those who have deserved it, I would more willingly + discharge my debt in some other form.” + </p> + <p> + “May thy days be multiplied!” answered the Hakim, and withdrew from the + apartment after the usual deep obeisance. + </p> + <p> + King Richard gazed after him as he departed, like one but half-satisfied + with what had passed. + </p> + <p> + “Strange pertinacity,” he said, “in this Hakim, and a wonderful chance to + interfere between that audacious Scot and the chastisement he has merited + so richly. Yet let him live! there is one brave man the more in the world. + And now for the Austrian. Ho! is the Baron of Gilsland there without?” + </p> + <p> + Sir Thomas de Vaux thus summoned, his bulky form speedily darkened the + opening of the pavilion, while behind him glided as a spectre, + unannounced, yet unopposed, the savage form of the hermit of Engaddi, + wrapped in his goatskin mantle. + </p> + <p> + Richard, without noticing his presence, called in a loud tone to the + baron, “Sir Thomas de Vaux, of Lanercost and Gilsland, take trumpet and + herald, and go instantly to the tent of him whom they call Archduke of + Austria, and see that it be when the press of his knights and vassals is + greatest around him, as is likely at this hour, for the German boar + breakfasts ere he hears mass—enter his presence with as little + reverence as thou mayest, and impeach him, on the part of Richard of + England, that he hath this night, by his own hand, or that of others, + stolen from its staff the Banner of England. Wherefore say to him our + pleasure that within an hour from the time of my speaking he restore the + said banner with all reverence—he himself and his principal barons + waiting the whilst with heads uncovered, and without their robes of + honour. And that, moreover, he pitch beside it, on the one hand, his own + Banner of Austria reversed, as that which hath been dishonoured by theft + and felony, and on the other, a lance, bearing the bloody head of him who + was his nearest counsellor, or assistant, in this base injury. And say, + that such our behests being punctually discharged we will, for the sake of + our vow and the weal of the Holy Land, forgive his other forfeits.” + </p> + <p> + “And how if the Duke of Austria deny all accession to this act of wrong + and of felony?” said Thomas de Vaux. + </p> + <p> + “Tell him,” replied the King, “we will prove it upon his body—ay, + were he backed with his two bravest champions. Knightlike will we prove + it, on foot or on horse, in the desert or in the field, time, place, and + arms all at his own choice.” + </p> + <p> + “Bethink you of the peace of God and the church, my liege lord,” said the + Baron of Gilsland, “among those princes engaged in this holy Crusade.” + </p> + <p> + “Bethink you how to execute my commands, my liege vassal,” answered + Richard impatiently. “Methinks men expect to turn our purpose by their + breath, as boys blow feathers to and fro. Peace of the church! Who, I + prithee, minds it? The peace of the church, among Crusaders, implies war + with the Saracens, with whom the princes have made truce; and the one ends + with the other. And besides, see you not how every prince of them is + seeking his own several ends? I will seek mine also—and that is + honour. For honour I came hither; and if I may not win it upon the + Saracens, at least I will not lose a jot from any respect to this paltry + Duke, though he were bulwarked and buttressed by every prince in the + Crusade.” + </p> + <p> + De Vaux turned to obey the King's mandate, shrugging his shoulders at the + same time, the bluntness of his nature being unable to conceal that its + tenor went against his judgment. But the hermit of Engaddi stepped + forward, and assumed the air of one charged with higher commands than + those of a mere earthly potentate. Indeed, his dress of shaggy skins, his + uncombed and untrimmed hair and beard, his lean, wild, and contorted + features, and the almost insane fire which gleamed from under his bushy + eyebrows, made him approach nearly to our idea of some seer of Scripture, + who, charged with high mission to the sinful Kings of Judah or Israel, + descended from the rocks and caverns in which he dwelt in abstracted + solitude, to abash earthly tyrants in the midst of their pride, by + discharging on them the blighting denunciations of Divine Majesty, even as + the cloud discharges the lightnings with which it is fraught on the + pinnacles and towers of castles and palaces. In the midst of his most + wayward mood, Richard respected the church and its ministers; and though + offended at the intrusion of the hermit into his tent, he greeted him with + respect—at the same time, however, making a sign to Sir Thomas de + Vaux to hasten on his message. + </p> + <p> + But the hermit prohibited the baron, by gesture, look, and word, to stir a + yard on such an errand; and holding up his bare arm, from which the + goatskin mantle fell back in the violence of his action, he waved it + aloft, meagre with famine, and wealed with the blows of the discipline. + </p> + <p> + “In the name of God, and of the most holy Father, the vicegerent of the + Christian Church upon earth, I prohibit this most profane, bloodthirsty, + and brutal defiance betwixt two Christian princes, whose shoulders are + signed with the blessed mark under which they swore brotherhood. Woe to + him by whom it is broken!—Richard of England, recall the most + unhallowed message thou hast given to that baron. Danger and death are + nigh thee!—the dagger is glancing at thy very throat!—” + </p> + <p> + “Danger and death are playmates to Richard,” answered the Monarch proudly; + “and he hath braved too many swords to fear a dagger.” + </p> + <p> + “Danger and death are near,” replied the seer, and sinking his voice to a + hollow, unearthly tone, he added, “And after death the judgment!” + </p> + <p> + “Good and holy father,” said Richard, “I reverence thy person and thy + sanctity—” + </p> + <p> + “Reverence not me!” interrupted the hermit; “reverence sooner the vilest + insect that crawls by the shores of the Dead Sea, and feeds upon its + accursed slime. But reverence Him whose commands I speak—reverence + Him whose sepulchre you have vowed to rescue—revere the oath of + concord which you have sworn, and break not the silver cord of union and + fidelity with which you have bound yourself to your princely + confederates.” + </p> + <p> + “Good father,” said the King, “you of the church seem to me to presume + somewhat, if a layman may say so much, upon the dignity of your holy + character. Without challenging your right to take charge of our + conscience, methinks you might leave us the charge of our own honour.” + </p> + <p> + “Presume!” repeated the hermit. “Is it for me to presume, royal Richard, + who am but the bell obeying the hand of the sexton—but the senseless + and worthless trumpet carrying the command of him who sounds it? See, on + my knees I throw myself before thee, imploring thee to have mercy on + Christendom, on England, and on thyself!” + </p> + <p> + “Rise, rise,” said Richard, compelling him to stand up; “it beseems not + that knees which are so frequently bended to the Deity should press the + ground in honour of man. What danger awaits us, reverend father? and when + stood the power of England so low that the noisy bluster of this new-made + Duke's displeasure should alarm her or her monarch?” + </p> + <p> + “I have looked forth from my mountain turret upon the starry host of + heaven, as each in his midnight circuit uttered wisdom to another, and + knowledge to the few who can understand their voice. There sits an enemy + in thy House of Life, Lord King, malign at once to thy fame and thy + prosperity—an emanation of Saturn, menacing thee with instant and + bloody peril, and which, but thou yield thy proud will to the rule of thy + duty, will presently crush thee even in thy pride.” + </p> + <p> + “Away, away—this is heathen science,” said the King. “Christians + practise it not—wise men believe it not. Old man, thou dotest.” + </p> + <p> + “I dote not, Richard,” answered the hermit—“I am not so happy. I + know my condition, and that some portion of reason is yet permitted me, + not for my own use, but that of the Church and the advancement of the + Cross. I am the blind man who holds a torch to others, though it yields no + light to himself. Ask me touching what concerns the weal of Christendom, + and of this Crusade, and I will speak with thee as the wisest counsellor + on whose tongue persuasion ever sat. Speak to me of my own wretched being, + and my words shall be those of the maniac outcast which I am.” + </p> + <p> + “I would not break the bands of unity asunder among the princes of the + Crusade,” said Richard, with a mitigated tone and manner; “but what + atonement can they render me for the injustice and insult which I have + sustained?” + </p> + <p> + “Even of that I am prepared and commissioned to speak by the Council, + which, meeting hastily at the summons of Philip of France, have taken + measures for that effect.” + </p> + <p> + “Strange,” replied Richard, “that others should treat of what is due to + the wounded majesty of England!” + </p> + <p> + “They are willing to anticipate your demands, if it be possible,” answered + the hermit. “In a body, they consent that the Banner of England be + replaced on Saint George's Mount; and they lay under ban and condemnation + the audacious criminal, or criminals, by whom it was outraged, and will + announce a princely reward to any who shall denounce the delinquent's + guilt, and give his flesh to the wolves and ravens.” + </p> + <p> + “And Austria,” said Richard, “upon whom rest such strong presumptions that + he was the author of the deed?” + </p> + <p> + “To prevent discord in the host,” replied the hermit, “Austria will clear + himself of the suspicion by submitting to whatsoever ordeal the Patriarch + of Jerusalem shall impose.” + </p> + <p> + “Will he clear himself by the trial by combat?” said King Richard. + </p> + <p> + “His oath prohibits it,” said the hermit; “and, moreover, the Council of + the Princes—” + </p> + <p> + “Will neither authorize battle against the Saracens,” interrupted Richard, + “nor against any one else. But it is enough, father—thou hast shown + me the folly of proceeding as I designed in this matter. You shall sooner + light your torch in a puddle of rain than bring a spark out of a + cold-blooded coward. There is no honour to be gained on Austria, and so + let him pass. I will have him perjure himself, however; I will insist on + the ordeal. How I shall laugh to hear his clumsy fingers hiss, as he + grasps the red-hot globe of iron! Ay, or his huge mouth riven, and his + gullet swelling to suffocation, as he endeavours to swallow the + consecrated bread!” + </p> + <p> + “Peace, Richard,” said the hermit—“oh, peace, for shame, if not for + charity! Who shall praise or honour princes who insult and calumniate each + other? Alas! that a creature so noble as thou art—so accomplished in + princely thoughts and princely daring—so fitted to honour + Christendom by thy actions, and, in thy calmer mood, to rule her by thy + wisdom, should yet have the brute and wild fury of the lion mingled with + the dignity and courage of that king of the forest!” + </p> + <p> + He remained an instant musing with his eyes fixed on the ground, and then + proceeded—“But Heaven, that knows our imperfect nature, accepts of + our imperfect obedience, and hath delayed, though not averted, the bloody + end of thy daring life. The destroying angel hath stood still, as of old + by the threshing-floor of Araunah the Jebusite, and the blade is drawn in + his hand, by which, at no distant date, Richard, the lion-hearted, shall + be as low as the meanest peasant.” + </p> + <p> + “Must it, then, be so soon?” said Richard. “Yet, even so be it. May my + course be bright, if it be but brief!” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! noble King,” said the solitary, and it seemed as if a tear + (unwonted guest) were gathering in his dry and glazened eye, “short and + melancholy, marked with mortification, and calamity, and captivity, is the + span that divides thee from the grave which yawns for thee—a grave + in which thou shalt be laid without lineage to succeed thee—without + the tears of a people, exhausted by thy ceaseless wars, to lament thee—without + having extended the knowledge of thy subjects—without having done + aught to enlarge their happiness.” + </p> + <p> + “But not without renown, monk—not without the tears of the lady of + my love! These consolations, which thou canst neither know nor estimate, + await upon Richard to his grave.” + </p> + <p> + “DO I not know, CAN I not estimate the value of minstrel's praise and of + lady's love?” retorted the hermit, in a tone which for a moment seemed to + emulate the enthusiasm of Richard himself. “King of England,” he + continued, extending his emaciated arm, “the blood which boils in thy blue + veins is not more noble than that which stagnates in mine. Few and cold as + the drops are, they still are of the blood of the royal Lusignan—of + the heroic and sainted Godfrey. I am—that is, I was when in the + world—Alberick Mortemar—” + </p> + <p> + “Whose deeds,” said Richard, “have so often filled Fame's trumpet! Is it + so?—can it be so? Could such a light as thine fall from the horizon + of chivalry, and yet men be uncertain where its embers had alighted?” + </p> + <p> + “Seek a fallen star,” said the hermit, “and thou shalt only light on some + foul jelly, which, in shooting through the horizon, has assumed for a + moment an appearance of splendour. Richard, if I thought that rending the + bloody veil from my horrible fate could make thy proud heart stoop to the + discipline of the church, I could find in my heart to tell thee a tale, + which I have hitherto kept gnawing at my vitals in concealment, like the + self-devoted youth of heathenesse. Listen, then, Richard, and may the + grief and despair which cannot avail this wretched remnant of what was + once a man be powerful as an example to so noble, yet so wild, a being as + thou art! Yes—I will—I WILL tear open the long-hidden wounds, + although in thy very presence they should bleed to death!” + </p> + <p> + King Richard, upon whom the history of Alberick of Mortemar had made a + deep impression in his early years, when minstrels were regaling his + father's halls with legends of the Holy Land, listened with respect to the + outlines of a tale, which, darkly and imperfectly sketched, indicated + sufficiently the cause of the partial insanity of this singular and most + unhappy being. + </p> + <p> + “I need not,” he said, “tell thee that I was noble in birth, high in + fortune, strong in arms, wise in counsel. All these I was. But while the + noblest ladies in Palestine strove which should wind garlands for my + helmet, my love was fixed—unalterably and devotedly fixed—on a + maiden of low degree. Her father, an ancient soldier of the Cross, saw our + passion, and knowing the difference betwixt us, saw no other refuge for + his daughter's honour than to place her within the shadow of the cloister. + I returned from a distant expedition, loaded with spoils and honour, to + find my happiness was destroyed for ever! I too sought the cloister; and + Satan, who had marked me for his own, breathed into my heart a vapour of + spiritual pride, which could only have had its source in his own infernal + regions. I had risen as high in the church as before in the state. I was, + forsooth, the wise, the self-sufficient, the impeccable!—I was the + counsellor of councils—I was the director of prelates. How should I + stumble?—wherefore should I fear temptation? Alas! I became + confessor to a sisterhood, and amongst that sisterhood I found the + long-loved—the long-lost. Spare me further confession!—A + fallen nun, whose guilt was avenged by self-murder, sleeps soundly in the + vaults of Engaddi; while, above her very grave, gibbers, moans, and roars + a creature to whom but so much reason is left as may suffice to render him + completely sensible to his fate!” + </p> + <p> + “Unhappy man!” said Richard, “I wonder no longer at thy misery. How didst + thou escape the doom which the canons denounce against thy offence?” + </p> + <p> + “Ask one who is yet in the gall of worldly bitterness,” said the hermit, + “and he will speak of a life spared for personal respects, and from + consideration to high birth. But, Richard, I tell thee that Providence + hath preserved me to lift me on high as a light and beacon, whose ashes, + when this earthly fuel is burnt out, must yet be flung into Tophet. + Withered and shrunk as this poor form is, it is yet animated with two + spirits—one active, shrewd, and piercing, to advocate the cause of + the Church of Jerusalem; one mean, abject, and despairing, fluctuating + between madness and misery, to mourn over my own wretchedness, and to + guard holy relics on which it would be most sinful for me even to cast my + eye. Pity me not!—it is but sin to pity the loss of such an abject; + pity me not, but profit by my example. Thou standest on the highest, and, + therefore, on the most dangerous pinnacle occupied by any Christian + prince. Thou art proud of heart, loose of life, bloody of hand. Put from + thee the sins which are to thee as daughters—though they be dear to + the sinful Adam, expel these adopted furies from thy breast—thy + pride, thy luxury, thy bloodthirstiness.” + </p> + <p> + “He raves,” said Richard, turning from the solitary to De Vaux, as one who + felt some pain from a sarcasm which yet he could not resent; then turned + him calmly, and somewhat scornfully, to the anchoret, as he replied, “Thou + hast found a fair bevy of daughters, reverend father, to one who hath been + but few months married; but since I must put them from my roof, it were + but like a father to provide them with suitable matches. Therefore, I will + part with my pride to the noble canons of the church—my luxury, as + thou callest it, to the monks of the rule—and my bloodthirstiness to + the Knights of the Temple.” + </p> + <p> + “O heart of steel, and hand of iron,” said the anchoret, “upon whom + example, as well as advice, is alike thrown away! Yet shalt thou be spared + for a season, in case it so be thou shouldst turn, and do that which is + acceptable in the sight of Heaven. For me I must return to my place. Kyrie + Eleison! I am he through whom the rays of heavenly grace dart like those + of the sun through a burning-glass, concentrating them on other objects, + until they kindle and blaze, while the glass itself remains cold and + uninfluenced. Kyrie Eleison!—the poor must be called, for the rich + have refused the banquet—Kyrie Eleison!” + </p> + <p> + So saying, he burst from the tent, uttering loud cries. + </p> + <p> + “A mad priest!” said Richard, from whose mind the frantic exclamations of + the hermit had partly obliterated the impression produced by the detail of + his personal history and misfortunes. “After him, De Vaux, and see he + comes to no harm; for, Crusaders as we are, a juggler hath more reverence + amongst our varlets than a priest or a saint, and they may, perchance, put + some scorn upon him.” + </p> + <p> + The knight obeyed, and Richard presently gave way to the thoughts which + the wild prophecy of the monk had inspired. “To die early—without + lineage—without lamentation! A heavy sentence, and well that it is + not passed by a more competent judge. Yet the Saracens, who are + accomplished in mystical knowledge, will often maintain that He, in whose + eyes the wisdom of the sage is but as folly, inspires wisdom and prophecy + into the seeming folly of the madman. Yonder hermit is said to read the + stars, too, an art generally practised in these lands, where the heavenly + host was of yore the object of idolatry. I would I had asked him touching + the loss of my banner; for not the blessed Tishbite, the founder of his + order, could seem more wildly rapt out of himself, or speak with a tongue + more resembling that of a prophet.—How now, De Vaux, what news of + the mad priest?” + </p> + <p> + “Mad priest, call you him, my lord?” answered De Vaux. “Methinks he + resembles more the blessed Baptist himself, just issued from the + wilderness. He has placed himself on one of the military engines, and from + thence he preaches to the soldiers as never man preached since the time of + Peter the Hermit. The camp, alarmed by his cries, crowd around him in + thousands; and breaking off every now and then from the main thread of his + discourse, he addresses the several nations, each in their own language, + and presses upon each the arguments best qualified to urge them to + perseverance in the delivery of Palestine.” + </p> + <p> + “By this light, a noble hermit!” said King Richard. “But what else could + come from the blood of Godfrey? HE despair of safety, because he hath in + former days lived PAR AMOURS? I will have the Pope send him an ample + remission, and I would not less willingly be intercessor had his BELLE + AMIE been an abbess.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, the Archbishop of Tyre craved audience, for the purpose of + requesting Richard's attendance, should his health permit, on a secret + conclave of the chiefs of the Crusade, and to explain to him the military + and political incidents which had occurred during his illness. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Must we then sheathe our still victorious sword; + Turn back our forward step, which ever trod + O'er foemen's necks the onward path of glory; + Unclasp the mail, which with a solemn vow, + In God's own house, we hung upon our shoulders— + That vow, as unaccomplish'd as the promise + Which village nurses make to still their children, + And after think no more of? + THE CRUSADE, A TRAGEDY. +</pre> + <p> + The Archbishop of Tyre was an emissary well chosen to communicate to + Richard tidings, which from another voice the lion-hearted King would not + have brooked to hear without the most unbounded explosions of resentment. + Even this sagacious and reverend prelate found difficulty in inducing him + to listen to news which destroyed all his hopes of gaining back the Holy + Sepulchre by force of arms, and acquiring the renown which the universal + all-hail of Christendom was ready to confer upon him as the Champion of + the Cross. + </p> + <p> + But, by the Archbishop's report, it appeared that Saladin was assembling + all the force of his hundred tribes, and that the monarchs of Europe, + already disgusted from various motives with the expedition, which had + proved so hazardous, and was daily growing more so, had resolved to + abandon their purpose. In this they were countenanced by the example of + Philip of France, who, with many protestations of regard, and assurances + that he would first see his brother of England in safety, declared his + intention to return to Europe. His great vassal, the Earl of Champagne, + had adopted the same resolution; and it could not excite surprise that + Leopold of Austria, affronted as he had been by Richard, was glad to + embrace an opportunity of deserting a cause in which his haughty opponent + was to be considered as chief. Others announced the same purpose; so that + it was plain that the King of England was to be left, if he chose to + remain, supported only by such volunteers as might, under such depressing + circumstances, join themselves to the English army, and by the doubtful + aid of Conrade of Montserrat and the military orders of the Temple and of + Saint John, who, though they were sworn to wage battle against the + Saracens, were at least equally jealous of any European monarch achieving + the conquest of Palestine, where, with shortsighted and selfish policy, + they proposed to establish independent dominions of their own. + </p> + <p> + It needed not many arguments to show Richard the truth of his situation; + and indeed, after his first burst of passion, he sat him calmly down, and + with gloomy looks, head depressed, and arms folded on his bosom, listened + to the Archbishop's reasoning on the impossibility of his carrying on the + Crusade when deserted by his companions. Nay, he forbore interruption, + even when the prelate ventured, in measured terms, to hint that Richard's + own impetuosity had been one main cause of disgusting the princes with the + expedition. + </p> + <p> + “CONFITEOR,” answered Richard, with a dejected look, and something of a + melancholy smile—“I confess, reverend father, that I ought on some + accounts to sing CULPA MEA. But is it not hard that my frailties of temper + should be visited with such a penance—that, for a burst or two of + natural passion, I should be doomed to see fade before me ungathered such + a rich harvest of glory to God and honour to chivalry? But it shall NOT + fade. By the soul of the Conqueror, I will plant the Cross on the towers + of Jerusalem, or it shall be planted over Richard's grave!” + </p> + <p> + “Thou mayest do it,” said the prelate, “yet not another drop of Christian + blood be shed in the quarrel.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, you speak of compromise, Lord Prelate; but the blood of the infidel + hounds must also cease to flow,” said Richard. + </p> + <p> + “There will be glory enough,” replied the Archbishop, “in having extorted + from Saladin, by force of arms, and by the respect inspired by your fame, + such conditions as at once restore the Holy Sepulchre, open the Holy Land + to pilgrims, secure their safety by strong fortresses, and, stronger than + all, assure the safety of the Holy City, by conferring on Richard the + title of King Guardian of Jerusalem.” + </p> + <p> + “How!” said Richard, his eyes sparkling with unusual light. “I—I—I + the King Guardian of the Holy City! Victory itself, but that it is + victory, could not gain more—scarce so much, when won with unwilling + and disunited forces. But Saladin still proposes to retain his interest in + the Holy Land?” + </p> + <p> + “As a joint sovereign, the sworn ally,” replied the prelate, “of the + mighty Richard—his relative, if it may be permitted, by marriage.” + </p> + <p> + “By marriage!” said Richard, surprised, yet less so than the prelate had + expected. “Ha!—ay—Edith Plantagenet. Did I dream this? or did + some one tell me? My head is still weak from this fever, and has been + agitated. Was it the Scot, or the Hakim, or yonder holy hermit, that + hinted such a wild bargain?” + </p> + <p> + “The hermit of Engaddi, most likely,” said the Archbishop, “for he hath + toiled much in this matter; and since the discontent of the princes has + became apparent, and a separation of their forces unavoidable, he hath had + many consultations, both with Christian and pagan, for arranging such a + pacification as may give to Christendom, at least in part, the objects of + this holy warfare.” + </p> + <p> + “My kinswoman to an infidel—ha!” exclaimed Richard, as his eyes + began to sparkle. + </p> + <p> + The prelate hastened to avert his wrath. + </p> + <p> + “The Pope's consent must doubtless be first attained, and the holy hermit, + who is well known at Rome, will treat with the holy Father.” + </p> + <p> + “How?—without our consent first given?” said the King. + </p> + <p> + “Surely no,” said the Bishop, in a quieting and insinuating tone of voice—“only + with and under your especial sanction.” + </p> + <p> + “My sanction to marry my kinswoman to an infidel!” said Richard; yet he + spoke rather in a tone of doubt than as distinctly reprobating the measure + proposed. “Could I have dreamed of such a composition when I leaped upon + the Syrian shore from the prow of my galley, even as a lion springs on his + prey! And now—But proceed—I will hear with patience.” + </p> + <p> + Equally delighted and surprised to find his task so much easier than he + had apprehended, the Archbishop hastened to pour forth before Richard the + instances of such alliances in Spain—not without countenance from + the Holy See; the incalculable advantages which all Christendom would + derive from the union of Richard and Saladin by a bond so sacred; and, + above all, he spoke with great vehemence and unction on the probability + that Saladin would, in case of the proposed alliance, exchange his false + faith for the true one. + </p> + <p> + “Hath the Soldan shown any disposition to become Christian?” said Richard. + “If so, the king lives not on earth to whom I would grant the hand of a + kinswoman, ay, or sister, sooner than to my noble Saladin—ay, though + the one came to lay crown and sceptre at her feet, and the other had + nothing to offer but his good sword and better heart!” + </p> + <p> + “Saladin hath heard our Christian teachers,” said the Bishop, somewhat + evasively—“my unworthy self, and others—and as he listens with + patience, and replies with calmness, it can hardly be but that he be + snatched as a brand from the burning. MAGNA EST VERITAS, ET PREVALEBIT! + moreover, the hermit of Engaddi, few of whose words have fallen fruitless + to the ground, is possessed fully with the belief that there is a calling + of the Saracens and the other heathen approaching, to which this marriage + shall be matter of induction. He readeth the course of the stars; and + dwelling, with maceration of the flesh, in those divine places which the + saints have trodden of old, the spirit of Elijah the Tishbite, the founder + of his blessed order, hath been with him as it was with the prophet + Elisha, the son of Shaphat, when he spread his mantle over him.” + </p> + <p> + King Richard listened to the Prelate's reasoning with a downcast brow and + a troubled look. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot tell,” he said, “How, it is with me, but methinks these cold + counsels of the Princes of Christendom have infected me too with a + lethargy of spirit. The time hath been that, had a layman proposed such + alliance to me, I had struck him to earth—if a churchman, I had spit + at him as a renegade and priest of Baal; yet now this counsel sounds not + so strange in mine ear. For why should I not seek for brotherhood and + alliance with a Saracen, brave, just, generous—who loves and honours + a worthy foe, as if he were a friend—whilst the Princes of + Christendom shrink from the side of their allies, and forsake the cause of + Heaven and good knighthood? But I will possess my patience, and will not + think of them. Only one attempt will I make to keep this gallant + brotherhood together, if it be possible; and if I fail, Lord Archbishop, + we will speak together of thy counsel, which, as now, I neither accept nor + altogether reject. Wend we to the Council, my lord—the hour calls + us. Thou sayest Richard is hasty and proud—thou shalt see him humble + himself like the lowly broom-plant from which he derives his surname.” + </p> + <p> + With the assistance of those of his privy chamber, the King then hastily + robed himself in a doublet and mantle of a dark and uniform colour; and + without any mark of regal dignity, excepting a ring of gold upon his head, + he hastened with the Archbishop of Tyre to attend the Council, which + waited but his presence to commence its sitting. + </p> + <p> + The pavilion of the Council was an ample tent, having before it the large + Banner of the Cross displayed, and another, on which was portrayed a + female kneeling, with dishevelled hair and disordered dress, meant to + represent the desolate and distressed Church of Jerusalem, and bearing the + motto, AFFLICTAE SPONSAE NE OBLIVISCARIS. Warders, carefully selected, + kept every one at a distance from the neighbourhood of this tent, lest the + debates, which were sometimes of a loud and stormy character, should reach + other ears than those they were designed for. + </p> + <p> + Here, therefore, the princes of the Crusade were assembled awaiting + Richard's arrival. And even the brief delay which was thus interposed was + turned to his disadvantage by his enemies, various instances being + circulated of his pride and undue assumption of superiority, of which even + the necessity of the present short pause was quoted as an instance. Men + strove to fortify each other in their evil opinion of the King of England, + and vindicated the offence which each had taken, by putting the most + severe construction upon circumstances the most trifling; and all this, + perhaps, because they were conscious of an instinctive reverence for the + heroic monarch, which it would require more than ordinary efforts to + overcome. + </p> + <p> + They had settled, accordingly, that they should receive him on his + entrance with slight notice, and no more respect than was exactly + necessary to keep within the bounds of cold ceremonial. But when they + beheld that noble form, that princely countenance, somewhat pale from his + late illness—the eye which had been called by minstrels the bright + star of battle and victory—when his feats, almost surpassing human + strength and valour, rushed on their recollection, the Council of Princes + simultaneously arose—even the jealous King of France and the sullen + and offended Duke of Austria—arose with one consent, and the + assembled princes burst forth with one voice in the acclamation, “God save + King Richard of England! Long life to the valiant Lion's-heart!” + </p> + <p> + With a countenance frank and open as the summer sun when it rises, Richard + distributed his thanks around, and congratulated himself on being once + more among his royal brethren of the Crusade. + </p> + <p> + “Some brief words he desired to say,” such was his address to the + assembly, “though on a subject so unworthy as himself, even at the risk of + delaying for a few minutes their consultations for the weal of Christendom + and the advancement of their holy enterprise.” + </p> + <p> + The assembled princes resumed their seats, and there was a profound + silence. + </p> + <p> + “This day,” continued the King of England, “is a high festival of the + church, and it well becomes Christian men, at such a tide, to reconcile + themselves with their brethren, and confess their faults to each other. + Noble princes and fathers of this holy expedition, Richard is a soldier—his + hand is ever readier than his tongue—and his tongue is but too much + used to the rough language of his trade. But do not, for Plantagenet's + hasty speeches and ill-considered actions, forsake the noble cause of the + redemption of Palestine—do not throw away earthly renown and eternal + salvation, to be won here if ever they can be won by man, because the act + of a soldier may have been hasty, and his speech as hard as the iron which + he has worn from childhood. Is Richard in default to any of you, Richard + will make compensation both by word and action.—Noble brother of + France, have I been so unlucky as to offend you?” + </p> + <p> + “The Majesty of France has no atonement to seek from that of England,” + answered Philip, with kingly dignity, accepting, at the same time, the + offered hand of Richard; “and whatever opinion I may adopt concerning the + prosecution of this enterprise will depend on reasons arising out of the + state of my own kingdom—certainly on no jealousy or disgust at my + royal and most valorous brother.” + </p> + <p> + “Austria,” said Richard, walking up to the Archduke, with a mixture of + frankness and dignity, while Leopold arose from his seat, as if + involuntarily, and with the action of an automaton, whose motions depended + upon some external impulse—“Austria thinks he hath reason to be + offended with England; England, that he hath cause to complain of Austria. + Let them exchange forgiveness, that the peace of Europe and the concord of + this host may remain unbroken. We are now joint supporters of a more + glorious banner than ever blazed before an earthly prince, even the Banner + of Salvation. Let not, therefore, strife be betwixt us for the symbol of + our more worldly dignities; but let Leopold restore the pennon of England, + if he has it in his power, and Richard will say, though from no motive + save his love for Holy Church, that he repents him of the hasty mood in + which he did insult the standard of Austria.” + </p> + <p> + The Archduke stood still, sullen and discontented, with his eyes fixed on + the floor, and his countenance lowering with smothered displeasure, which + awe, mingled with awkwardness, prevented his giving vent to in words. + </p> + <p> + The Patriarch of Jerusalem hastened to break the embarrassing silence, and + to bear witness for the Archduke of Austria that he had exculpated + himself, by a solemn oath, from all knowledge, direct or indirect, of the + aggression done to the Banner of England. + </p> + <p> + “Then we have done the noble Archduke the greater wrong,” said Richard; + “and craving his pardon for imputing to him an outrage so cowardly, we + extend our hand to him in token of renewed peace and amity. But how is + this? Austria refuses our uncovered hand, as he formerly refused our + mailed glove? What! are we neither to be his mate in peace nor his + antagonist in war? Well, let it be so. We will take the slight esteem in + which he holds us as a penance for aught which we may have done against + him in heat of blood, and will therefore hold the account between us + cleared.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, he turned from the Archduke with an air rather of dignity than + scorn, leaving the Austrian apparently as much relieved by the removal of + his eye as is a sullen and truant schoolboy when the glance of his severe + pedagogue is withdrawn. + </p> + <p> + “Noble Earl of Champagne—princely Marquis of Montserrat—valiant + Grand Master of the Templars—I am here a penitent in the + confessional. Do any of you bring a charge or claim amends from me?” + </p> + <p> + “I know not on what we could ground any,” said the smooth-tongued Conrade, + “unless it were that the King of England carries off from his poor + brothers of the war all the fame which they might have hoped to gain in + the expedition.” + </p> + <p> + “My charge, if I am called on to make one,” said the Master of the + Templars, “is graver and deeper than that of the Marquis of Montserrat. It + may be thought ill to beseem a military monk such as I to raise his voice + where so many noble princes remain silent; but it concerns our whole host, + and not least this noble King of England, that he should hear from some + one to his face those charges which there are enow to bring against him in + his absence. We laud and honour the courage and high achievements of the + King of England; but we feel aggrieved that he should on all occasions + seize and maintain a precedence and superiority over us, which it becomes + not independent princes to submit to. Much we might yield of our free will + to his bravery, his zeal, his wealth, and his power; but he who snatches + all as matter of right, and leaves nothing to grant out of courtesy and + favour, degrades us from allies into retainers and vassals, and sullies in + the eyes of our soldiers and subjects the lustre of our authority, which + is no longer independently exercised. Since the royal Richard has asked + the truth from us, he must neither be surprised nor angry when he hears + one, to whom worldly pomp is prohibited, and secular authority is nothing, + saving so far as it advances the prosperity of God's Temple, and the + prostration of the lion which goeth about seeking whom he may devour—when + he hears, I say, such a one as I tell him the truth in reply to his + question; which truth, even while I speak it, is, I know, confirmed by the + heart of every one who hears me, however respect may stifle their voices.” + </p> + <p> + Richard coloured very highly while the Grand Master was making this direct + and unvarnished attack upon his conduct, and the murmur of assent which + followed it showed plainly that almost all who were present acquiesced in + the justice of the accusation. Incensed, and at the same time mortified, + he yet foresaw that to give way to his headlong resentment would be to + give the cold and wary accuser the advantage over him which it was the + Templar's principal object to obtain. He therefore, with a strong effort, + remained silent till he had repeated a pater noster, being the course + which his confessor had enjoined him to pursue when anger was likely to + obtain dominion over him. The King then spoke with composure, though not + without an embittered tone, especially at the outset:— + </p> + <p> + “And is it even so? And are our brethren at such pains to note the + infirmities of our natural temper, and the rough precipitance of our zeal, + which may sometimes have urged us to issue commands when there was little + time to hold council? I could not have thought that offences, casual and + unpremeditated like mine, could find such deep root in the hearts of my + allies in this most holy cause; that for my sake they should withdraw + their hands from the plough when the furrow was near the end—for my + sake turn aside from the direct path to Jerusalem, which their swords have + opened. I vainly thought that my small services might have outweighed my + rash errors—that if it were remembered that I pressed to the van in + an assault, it would not be forgotten that I was ever the last in the + retreat—that, if I elevated my banner upon conquered fields of + battle, it was all the advantage that I sought, while others were dividing + the spoil. I may have called the conquered city by my name, but it was to + others that I yielded the dominion. If I have been headstrong in urging + bold counsels, I have not, methinks, spared my own blood or my people's in + carrying them into as bold execution; or if I have, in the hurry of march + or battle, assumed a command over the soldiers of others, such have been + ever treated as my own when my wealth purchased the provisions and + medicines which their own sovereigns could not procure. But it shames me + to remind you of what all but myself seem to have forgotten. Let us rather + look forward to our future measures; and believe me, brethren,” he + continued, his face kindling with eagerness, “you shall not find the + pride, or the wrath, or the ambition of Richard a stumbling-block of + offence in the path to which religion and glory summon you as with the + trumpet of an archangel. Oh, no, no! never would I survive the thought + that my frailties and infirmities had been the means to sever this goodly + fellowship of assembled princes. I would cut off my left hand with my + right, could my doing so attest my sincerity. I will yield up, + voluntarily, all right to command in the host—even mine own liege + subjects. They shall be led by such sovereigns as you may nominate; and + their King, ever but too apt to exchange the leader's baton for the + adventurer's lance, will serve under the banner of Beau-Seant among the + Templars—ay, or under that of Austria, if Austria will name a brave + man to lead his forces. Or if ye are yourselves a-weary of this war, and + feel your armour chafe your tender bodies, leave but with Richard some ten + or fifteen thousand of your soldiers to work out the accomplishment of + your vow; and when Zion is won,” he exclaimed, waving his hand aloft, as + if displaying the standard of the Cross over Jerusalem—“when Zion is + won, we will write upon her gates, NOT the name of Richard Plantagenet, + but of those generous princes who entrusted him with the means of + conquest!” + </p> + <p> + The rough eloquence and determined expression of the military monarch at + once roused the drooping spirits of the Crusaders, reanimated their + devotion, and, fixing their attention on the principal object of the + expedition, made most of them who were present blush for having been moved + by such petty subjects of complaint as had before engrossed them. Eye + caught fire from eye, voice lent courage to voice. They resumed, as with + one accord, the war-cry with which the sermon of Peter the Hermit was + echoed back, and shouted aloud, “Lead us on, gallant Lion's-heart; none so + worthy to lead where brave men follow. Lead us on—to Jerusalem—to + Jerusalem! It is the will of God—it is the will of God! Blessed is + he who shall lend an arm to its fulfilment!” + </p> + <p> + The shout, so suddenly and generally raised, was heard beyond the ring of + sentinels who guarded the pavilion of Council, and spread among the + soldiers of the host, who, inactive and dispirited by disease and climate, + had begun, like their leaders, to droop in resolution; but the + reappearance of Richard in renewed vigour, and the well-known shout which + echoed from the assembly of the princes, at once rekindled their + enthusiasm, and thousands and tens of thousands answered with the same + shout of “Zion, Zion! War, war! Instant battle with the infidels! It is + the will of God—it is the will of God!” + </p> + <p> + The acclamations from without increased in their turn the enthusiasm which + prevailed within the pavilion. Those who did not actually catch the flame + were afraid—at least for the time—to seem colder than others. + There was no more speech except of a proud advance towards Jerusalem upon + the expiry of the truce, and the measures to be taken in the meantime for + supplying and recruiting the army. The Council broke up, all apparently + filled with the same enthusiastic purpose—which, however, soon faded + in the bosom of most, and never had an existence in that of others. + </p> + <p> + Of the latter class were the Marquis Conrade and the Grand Master of the + Templars, who retired together to their quarters ill at ease, and + malcontent with the events of the day. + </p> + <p> + “I ever told it to thee,” said the latter, with the cold, sardonic + expression peculiar to him, “that Richard would burst through the flimsy + wiles you spread for him, as would a lion through a spider's web. Thou + seest he has but to speak, and his breath agitates these fickle fools as + easily as the whirlwind catcheth scattered straws, and sweeps them + together, or disperses them at its pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + “When the blast has passed away,” said Conrade, “the straws, which it made + dance to its pipe, will settle to earth again.” + </p> + <p> + “But knowest thou not besides,” said the Templar, “that it seems, if this + new purpose of conquest shall be abandoned and pass away, and each mighty + prince shall again be left to such guidance as his own scanty brain can + supply, Richard may yet probably become King of Jerusalem by compact, and + establish those terms of treaty with the Soldan which thou thyself + thought'st him so likely to spurn at?” + </p> + <p> + “Now, by Mahound and Termagaunt, for Christian oaths are out of fashion,” + said Conrade, “sayest thou the proud King of England would unite his blood + with a heathen Soldan? My policy threw in that ingredient to make the + whole treaty an abomination to him. As bad for us that he become our + master by an agreement, as by victory.” + </p> + <p> + “Thy policy hath ill calculated Richard's digestion,” answered the + Templar; “I know his mind by a whisper from the Archbishop. And then thy + master-stroke respecting yonder banner—it has passed off with no + more respect than two cubits of embroidered silk merited. Marquis Conrade, + thy wit begins to halt; I will trust thy finespun measures no longer, but + will try my own. Knowest thou not the people whom the Saracens call + Charegites?” + </p> + <p> + “Surely,” answered the Marquis; “they are desperate and besotted + enthusiasts, who devote their lives to the advancement of religion—-somewhat + like Templars, only they are never known to pause in the race of their + calling.” + </p> + <p> + “Jest not,” answered the scowling monk. “Know that one of these men has + set down in his bloody vow the name of the Island Emperor yonder, to be + hewn down as the chief enemy of the Moslem faith.” + </p> + <p> + “A most judicious paynim,” said Conrade. “May Mohammed send him his + paradise for a reward!” + </p> + <p> + “He was taken in the camp by one of our squires, and in private + examination frankly avowed his fixed and determined purpose to me,” said + the Grand Master. + </p> + <p> + “Now the heavens pardon them who prevented the purpose of this most + judicious Charegite!” answered Conrade. + </p> + <p> + “He is my prisoner,” added the Templar, “and secluded from speech with + others, as thou mayest suppose; but prisons have been broken—” + </p> + <p> + “Chains left unlocked, and captives have escaped,” answered the Marquis. + “It is an ancient saying, no sure dungeon but the grave.” + </p> + <p> + “When loose, he resumes his quest,” continued the military priest; “for it + is the nature of this sort of blood hound never to quit the suit of the + prey he has once scented.” + </p> + <p> + “Say no more of it,” said the Marquis; “I see thy policy—it is + dreadful, but the emergency is imminent.” + </p> + <p> + “I only told thee of it,” said the Templar, “that thou mayest keep thyself + on thy guard; for the uproar will be dreadful, and there is no knowing on + whom the English may vent their rage. Ay, and there is another risk. My + page knows the counsels of this Charegite,” he continued; “and, moreover, + he is a peevish, self-willed fool, whom I would I were rid of, as he + thwarts me by presuming to see with his own eyes, not mine. But our holy + order gives me power to put a remedy to such inconvenience. Or stay—the + Saracen may find a good dagger in his cell, and I warrant you he uses it + as he breaks forth, which will be of a surety so soon as the page enters + with his food.” + </p> + <p> + “It will give the affair a colour,” said Conrade; “and yet—” + </p> + <p> + “YET and BUT,” said the Templar, “are words for fools; wise men neither + hesitate nor retract—they resolve and they execute.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + When beauty leads the lion in her toils, + Such are her charms, he dare not raise his mane, + Far less expand the terror of his fangs. + So great Alcides made his club a distaff, + And spun to please fair Omphale. + ANONYMOUS. +</pre> + <p> + Richard, the unsuspicious object of the dark treachery detailed in the + closing part of the last chapter, having effected, for the present at + least, the triumphant union of the Crusading princes in a resolution to + prosecute the war with vigour, had it next at heart to establish + tranquillity in his own family; and, now that he could judge more + temperately, to inquire distinctly into the circumstances leading to the + loss of his banner, and the nature and the extent of the connection + betwixt his kinswoman Edith and the banished adventurer from Scotland. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, the Queen and her household were startled with a visit from + Sir Thomas de Vaux, requesting the present attendance of the Lady Calista + of Montfaucon, the Queen's principal bower-woman, upon King Richard. + </p> + <p> + “What am I to say, madam?” said the trembling attendant to the Queen, “He + will slay us all.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, fear not, madam,” said De Vaux. “His Majesty hath spared the life of + the Scottish knight, who was the chief offender, and bestowed him upon the + Moorish physician. He will not be severe upon a lady, though faulty.” + </p> + <p> + “Devise some cunning tale, wench,” said Berengaria. “My husband hath too + little time to make inquiry into the truth.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell the tale as it really happened,” said Edith, “lest I tell it for + thee.” + </p> + <p> + “With humble permission of her Majesty,” said De Vaux, “I would say Lady + Edith adviseth well; for although King Richard is pleased to believe what + it pleases your Grace to tell him, yet I doubt his having the same + deference for the Lady Calista, and in this especial matter.” + </p> + <p> + “The Lord of Gilsland is right,” said the Lady Calista, much agitated at + the thoughts of the investigation which was to take place; “and besides, + if I had presence of mind enough to forge a plausible story, beshrew me if + I think I should have the courage to tell it.” + </p> + <p> + In this candid humour, the Lady Calista was conducted by De Vaux to the + King, and made, as she had proposed, a full confession of the decoy by + which the unfortunate Knight of the Leopard had been induced to desert his + post; exculpating the Lady Edith, who, she was aware, would not fail to + exculpate herself, and laying the full burden on the Queen, her mistress, + whose share of the frolic, she well knew, would appear the most venial in + the eyes of Coeur de Lion. In truth, Richard was a fond, almost a uxorious + husband. The first burst of his wrath had long since passed away, and he + was not disposed severely to censure what could not now be amended. The + wily Lady Calista, accustomed from her earliest childhood to fathom the + intrigues of a court, and watch the indications of a sovereign's will, + hastened back to the Queen with the speed of a lapwing, charged with the + King's commands that she should expect a speedy visit from him; to which + the bower-lady added a commentary founded on her own observation, tending + to show that Richard meant just to preserve so much severity as might + bring his royal consort to repent of her frolic, and then to extend to her + and all concerned his gracious pardon. + </p> + <p> + “Sits the wind in that corner, wench?” said the Queen, much relieved by + this intelligence. “Believe me that, great commander as he is, Richard + will find it hard to circumvent us in this matter, and that, as the + Pyrenean shepherds are wont to say in my native Navarre, Many a one comes + for wool, and goes back shorn.” + </p> + <p> + Having possessed herself of all the information which Calista could + communicate, the royal Berengaria arrayed herself in her most becoming + dress, and awaited with confidence the arrival of the heroic Richard. + </p> + <p> + He arrived, and found himself in the situation of a prince entering an + offending province, in the confidence that his business will only be to + inflict rebuke, and receive submission, when he unexpectedly finds it in a + state of complete defiance and insurrection. Berengaria well knew the + power of her charms and the extent of Richard's affection, and felt + assured that she could make her own terms good, now that the first + tremendous explosion of his anger had expended itself without mischief. + Far from listening to the King's intended rebuke, as what the levity of + her conduct had justly deserved, she extenuated, nay, defended as a + harmless frolic, that which she was accused of. She denied, indeed, with + many a pretty form of negation, that she had directed Nectabanus + absolutely to entice the knight farther than the brink of the Mount on + which he kept watch—and, indeed, this was so far true, that she had + not designed Sir Kenneth to be introduced into her tent—and then, + eloquent in urging her own defence, the Queen was far more so in pressing + upon Richard the charge of unkindness, in refusing her so poor a boon as + the life of an unfortunate knight, who, by her thoughtless prank, had been + brought within the danger of martial law. She wept and sobbed while she + enlarged on her husband's obduracy on this score, as a rigour which had + threatened to make her unhappy for life, whenever she should reflect that + she had given, unthinkingly, the remote cause for such a tragedy. The + vision of the slaughtered victim would have haunted her dreams—nay, + for aught she knew, since such things often happened, his actual spectre + might have stood by her waking couch. To all this misery of the mind was + she exposed by the severity of one who, while he pretended to dote upon + her slightest glance, would not forego one act of poor revenge, though the + issue was to render her miserable. + </p> + <p> + All this flow of female eloquence was accompanied with the usual arguments + of tears and sighs, and uttered with such tone and action as seemed to + show that the Queen's resentment arose neither from pride nor sullenness, + but from feelings hurt at finding her consequence with her husband less + than she had expected to possess. + </p> + <p> + The good King Richard was considerably embarrassed. He tried in vain to + reason with one whose very jealousy of his affection rendered her + incapable of listening to argument, nor could he bring himself to use the + restraint of lawful authority to a creature so beautiful in the midst of + her unreasonable displeasure. He was therefore reduced to the defensive, + endeavoured gently to chide her suspicions and soothe her displeasure, and + recalled to her mind that she need not look back upon the past with + recollections either of remorse or supernatural fear, since Sir Kenneth + was alive and well, and had been bestowed by him upon the great Arabian + physician, who, doubtless, of all men, knew best how to keep him living. + But this seemed the unkindest cut of all, and the Queen's sorrow was + renewed at the idea of a Saracen—a mediciner—obtaining a boon + for which, with bare head and on bended knee, she had petitioned her + husband in vain. At this new charge Richard's patience began rather to + give way, and he said, in a serious tone of voice, “Berengaria, the + physician saved my life. If it is of value in your eyes, you will not + grudge him a higher recompense than the only one I could prevail on him to + accept.” + </p> + <p> + The Queen was satisfied she had urged her coquettish displeasure to the + verge of safety. + </p> + <p> + “My Richard,” she said, “why brought you not that sage to me, that + England's Queen might show how she esteemed him who could save from + extinction the lamp of chivalry, the glory of England, and the light of + poor Berengaria's life and hope?” + </p> + <p> + In a word, the matrimonial dispute was ended; but, that some penalty might + be paid to justice, both King and Queen accorded in laying the whole blame + on the agent Nectabanus, who (the Queen being by this time well weary of + the poor dwarf's humour) was, with his royal consort Guenevra, sentenced + to be banished from the Court; and the unlucky dwarf only escaped a + supplementary whipping, from the Queen's assurances that he had already + sustained personal chastisement. It was decreed further that, as an envoy + was shortly to be dispatched to Saladin, acquainting him with the + resolution of the Council to resume hostilities so soon as the truce was + ended, and as Richard proposed to send a valuable present to the Soldan, + in acknowledgment of the high benefit he had derived from the services of + El Hakim, the two unhappy creatures should be added to it as curiosities, + which, from their extremely grotesque appearance, and the shattered state + of their intellect, were gifts that might well pass between sovereign and + sovereign. + </p> + <p> + Richard had that day yet another female encounter to sustain; but he + advanced to it with comparative indifference, for Edith, though beautiful + and highly esteemed by her royal relative—nay, although she had from + his unjust suspicions actually sustained the injury of which Berengaria + only affected to complain—still was neither Richard's wife nor + mistress, and he feared her reproaches less, although founded in reason, + than those of the Queen, though unjust and fantastical. Having requested + to speak with her apart, he was ushered into her apartment, adjoining that + of the Queen, whose two female Coptish slaves remained on their knees in + the most remote corner during the interview. A thin black veil extended + its ample folds over the tall and graceful form of the high-born maiden, + and she wore not upon her person any female ornament of what kind soever. + She arose and made a low reverence when Richard entered, resumed her seat + at his command, and, when he sat down beside her, waited, without uttering + a syllable, until he should communicate his pleasure. + </p> + <p> + Richard, whose custom it was to be familiar with Edith, as their + relationship authorized, felt this reception chilling, and opened the + conversation with some embarrassment. + </p> + <p> + “Our fair cousin,” he at length said, “is angry with us; and we own that + strong circumstances have induced us, without cause, to suspect her of + conduct alien to what we have ever known in her course of life. But while + we walk in this misty valley of humanity, men will mistake shadows for + substances. Can my fair cousin not forgive her somewhat vehement kinsman + Richard?” + </p> + <p> + “Who can refuse forgiveness to RICHARD,” answered Edith, “provided Richard + can obtain pardon of the KING?” + </p> + <p> + “Come, my kinswoman,” replied Coeur de Lion, “this is all too solemn. By + Our Lady, such a melancholy countenance, and this ample sable veil, might + make men think thou wert a new-made widow, or had lost a betrothed lover, + at least. Cheer up! Thou hast heard, doubtless, that there is no real + cause for woe; why, then, keep up the form of mourning?” + </p> + <p> + “For the departed honour of Plantagenet—for the glory which hath + left my father's house.” + </p> + <p> + Richard frowned. “Departed honour! glory which hath left our house!” he + repeated angrily. “But my cousin Edith is privileged. I have judged her + too hastily; she has therefore a right to deem of me too harshly. But tell + me at least in what I have faulted.” + </p> + <p> + “Plantagenet,” said Edith, “should have either pardoned an offence, or + punished it. It misbecomes him to assign free men, Christians, and brave + knights, to the fetters of the infidels. It becomes him not to compromise + and barter, or to grunt life under the forfeiture of liberty. To have + doomed the unfortunate to death might have been severity, but had a show + of justice; to condemn him to slavery and exile was barefaced tyranny.” + </p> + <p> + “I see, my fair cousin,” said Richard, “you are of those pretty ones who + think an absent lover as bad as none, or as a dead one. Be patient; half a + score of light horsemen may yet follow and redeem the error, if thy + gallant have in keeping any secret which might render his death more + convenient than his banishment.” + </p> + <p> + “Peace with thy scurrile jests!” answered Edith, colouring deeply. “Think, + rather, that for the indulgence of thy mood thou hast lopped from this + great enterprise one goodly limb, deprived the Cross of one of its most + brave supporters, and placed a servant of the true God in the hands of the + heathen; hast given, too, to minds as suspicious as thou hast shown thine + own in this matter, some right to say that Richard Coeur de Lion banished + the bravest soldier in his camp lest his name in battle might match his + own.” + </p> + <p> + “I—I!” exclaimed Richard, now indeed greatly moved—“am I one + to be jealous of renown? I would he were here to profess such an equality! + I would waive my rank and my crown, and meet him, manlike, in the lists, + that it might appear whether Richard Plantagenet had room to fear or to + envy the prowess of mortal man. Come, Edith, thou think'st not as thou + sayest. Let not anger or grief for the absence of thy lover make thee + unjust to thy kinsman, who, notwithstanding all thy techiness, values thy + good report as high as that of any one living.” + </p> + <p> + “The absence of my lover?” said the Lady Edith, “But yes, he may be well + termed my lover, who hath paid so dear for the title. Unworthy as I might + be of such homage, I was to him like a light, leading him forward in the + noble path of chivalry; but that I forgot my rank, or that he presumed + beyond his, is false, were a king to speak it.” + </p> + <p> + “My fair cousin,” said Richard, “do not put words in my mouth which I have + not spoken. I said not you had graced this man beyond the favour which a + good knight may earn, even from a princess, whatever be his native + condition. But, by Our Lady, I know something of this love-gear. It begins + with mute respect and distant reverence; but when opportunities occur, + familiarity increases, and so—But it skills not talking with one who + thinks herself wiser than all the world.” + </p> + <p> + “My kinsman's counsels I willingly listen to, when they are such,” said + Edith, “as convey no insult to my rank and character.” + </p> + <p> + “Kings, my fair cousin, do not counsel, but rather command,” said Richard. + </p> + <p> + “Soldans do indeed command,” said Edith, “but it is because they have + slaves to govern.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, you might learn to lay aside this scorn of Soldanrie, when you hold + so high of a Scot,” said the King. “I hold Saladin to be truer to his word + than this William of Scotland, who must needs be called a Lion, forsooth; + he hath foully faulted towards me in failing to send the auxiliary aid he + promised. Let me tell thee, Edith, thou mayest live to prefer a true Turk + to a false Scot.” + </p> + <p> + “No—never!” answered Edith—“not should Richard himself embrace + the false religion, which he crossed the seas to expel from Palestine.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou wilt have the last word,” said Richard, “and thou shalt have it. + Even think of me what thou wilt, pretty Edith. I shall not forget that we + are near and dear cousins.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, he took his leave in fair fashion, but very little satisfied + with the result of his visit. + </p> + <p> + It was the fourth day after Sir Kenneth had been dismissed from the camp, + and King Richard sat in his pavilion, enjoying an evening breeze from the + west, which, with unusual coolness on her wings, seemed breathed from + merry England for the refreshment of her adventurous Monarch, as he was + gradually recovering the full strength which was necessary to carry on his + gigantic projects. There was no one with him, De Vaux having been sent to + Ascalon to bring up reinforcements and supplies of military munition, and + most of his other attendants being occupied in different departments, all + preparing for the re-opening of hostilities, and for a grand preparatory + review of the army of the Crusaders, which was to take place the next day. + The King sat listening to the busy hum among the soldiery, the clatter + from the forges, where horseshoes were preparing, and from the tents of + the armourers, who were repairing harness. The voice of the soldiers, too, + as they passed and repassed, was loud and cheerful, carrying with its very + tone an assurance of high and excited courage, and an omen of approaching + victory. While Richard's ear drank in these sounds with delight, and while + he yielded himself to the visions of conquest and of glory which they + suggested, an equerry told him that a messenger from Saladin waited + without. + </p> + <p> + “Admit him instantly,” said the King, “and with due honour, Josceline.” + </p> + <p> + The English knight accordingly introduced a person, apparently of no + higher rank than a Nubian slave, whose appearance was nevertheless highly + interesting. He was of superb stature and nobly formed, and his commanding + features, although almost jet-black, showed nothing of negro descent. He + wore over his coal-black locks a milk-white turban, and over his shoulders + a short mantle of the same colour, open in front and at the sleeves, under + which appeared a doublet of dressed leopard's skin reaching within a + handbreadth of the knee. The rest of his muscular limbs, both legs and + arms, were bare, excepting that he had sandals on his feet, and wore a + collar and bracelets of silver. A straight broadsword, with a handle of + box-wood and a sheath covered with snakeskin, was suspended from his + waist. In his right hand he held a short javelin, with a broad, bright + steel head, of a span in length, and in his left he led by a leash of + twisted silk and gold a large and noble staghound. + </p> + <p> + The messenger prostrated himself, at the same time partially uncovering + his shoulders, in sign of humiliation, and having touched the earth with + his forehead, arose so far as to rest on one knee, while he delivered to + the King a silken napkin, enclosing another of cloth of gold, within which + was a letter from Saladin in the original Arabic, with a translation into + Norman-English, which may be modernized thus:— + </p> + <p> + “Saladin, King of Kings, to Melech Ric, the Lion of England. Whereas, we + are informed by thy last message that thou hast chosen war rather than + peace, and our enmity rather than our friendship, we account thee as one + blinded in this matter, and trust shortly to convince thee of thine error, + by the help of our invincible forces of the thousand tribes, when + Mohammed, the Prophet of God, and Allah, the God of the Prophet, shall + judge the controversy betwixt us. In what remains, we make noble account + of thee, and of the gifts which thou hast sent us, and of the two dwarfs, + singular in their deformity as Ysop, and mirthful as the lute of Isaack. + And in requital of these tokens from the treasure-house of thy bounty, + behold we have sent thee a Nubian slave, named Zohauk, of whom judge not + by his complexion, according to the foolish ones of the earth, in respect + the dark-rinded fruit hath the most exquisite flavour. Know that he is + strong to execute the will of his master, as Rustan of Zablestan; also he + is wise to give counsel when thou shalt learn to hold communication with + him, for the Lord of Speech hath been stricken with silence betwixt the + ivory walls of his palace. We commend him to thy care, hoping the hour may + not be distant when he may render thee good service. And herewith we bid + thee farewell; trusting that our most holy Prophet may yet call thee to a + sight of the truth, failing which illumination, our desire is for the + speedy restoration of thy royal health, that Allah may judge between thee + and us in a plain field of battle.” + </p> + <p> + And the missive was sanctioned by the signature and seal of the Soldan. + </p> + <p> + Richard surveyed the Nubian in silence as he stood before him, his looks + bent upon the ground, his arms folded on his bosom, with the appearance of + a black marble statue of the most exquisite workmanship, waiting life from + the touch of a Prometheus. The King of England, who, as it was + emphatically said of his successor Henry the Eighth, loved to look upon A + MAN, was well pleased with the thews, sinews, and symmetry of him whom he + now surveyed, and questioned him in the lingua franca, “Art thou a pagan?” + </p> + <p> + The slave shook his head, and raising his finger to his brow, crossed + himself in token of his Christianity, then resumed his posture of + motionless humility. + </p> + <p> + “A Nubian Christian, doubtless,” said Richard, “and mutilated of the organ + of speech by these heathen dogs?” + </p> + <p> + The mute again slowly shook his head, in token of negative, pointed with + his forefinger to Heaven, and then laid it upon his own lips. + </p> + <p> + “I understand thee,” said Richard; “thou dost suffer under the infliction + of God, not by the cruelty of man. Canst thou clean an armour and belt, + and buckle it in time of need?” + </p> + <p> + The mute nodded, and stepping towards the coat of mail, which hung with + the shield and helmet of the chivalrous monarch upon the pillar of the + tent, he handled it with such nicety of address as sufficiently to show + that he fully understood the business of an armour-bearer. + </p> + <p> + “Thou art an apt, and wilt doubtless be a useful knave. Thou shalt wait in + my chamber, and on my person,” said the King, “to show how much I value + the gift of the royal Soldan. If thou hast no tongue, it follows thou + canst carry no tales, neither provoke me to be sudden by any unfit reply.” + </p> + <p> + The Nubian again prostrated himself till his brow touched the earth, then + stood erect, at some paces distant, as waiting for his new master's + commands. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, thou shalt commence thy office presently,” said Richard, “for I see + a speck of rust darkening on that shield; and when I shake it in the face + of Saladin, it should be bright and unsullied as the Soldan's honour and + mine own.” + </p> + <p> + A horn was winded without, and presently Sir Henry Neville entered with a + packet of dispatches. “From England, my lord,” he said, as he delivered + it. + </p> + <p> + “From England—our own England!” repeated Richard, in a tone of + melancholy enthusiasm. “Alas! they little think how hard their Sovereign + has been beset by sickness and sorrow—faint friends and forward + enemies.” Then opening the dispatches, he said hastily, “Ha! this comes + from no peaceful land—they too have their feuds. Neville, begone; I + must peruse these tidings alone, and at leisure.” + </p> + <p> + Neville withdrew accordingly, and Richard was soon absorbed in the + melancholy details which had been conveyed to him from England, concerning + the factions that were tearing to pieces his native dominions—the + disunion of his brothers John and Geoffrey, and the quarrels of both with + the High Justiciary Longchamp, Bishop of Ely—the oppressions + practised by the nobles upon the peasantry, and rebellion of the latter + against their masters, which had produced everywhere scenes of discord, + and in some instances the effusion of blood. Details of incidents + mortifying to his pride, and derogatory from his authority, were + intermingled with the earnest advice of his wisest and most attached + counsellors that he should presently return to England, as his presence + offered the only hope of saving the Kingdom from all the horrors of civil + discord, of which France and Scotland were likely to avail themselves. + Filled with the most painful anxiety, Richard read, and again read, the + ill-omened letters; compared the intelligence which some of them contained + with the same facts as differently stated in others; and soon became + totally insensible to whatever was passing around him, although seated, + for the sake of coolness, close to the entrance of his tent, and having + the curtains withdrawn, so that he could see and be seen by the guards and + others who were stationed without. + </p> + <p> + Deeper in the shadow of the pavilion, and busied with the task his new + master had imposed, sat the Nubian slave, with his back rather turned + towards the King. He had finished adjusting and cleaning the hauberk and + brigandine, and was now busily employed on a broad pavesse, or buckler, of + unusual size, and covered with steel-plating, which Richard often used in + reconnoitring, or actually storming fortified places, as a more effectual + protection against missile weapons than the narrow triangular shield used + on horseback. This pavesse bore neither the royal lions of England, nor + any other device, to attract the observation of the defenders of the walls + against which it was advanced; the care, therefore, of the armourer was + addressed to causing its surface to shine as bright as crystal, in which + he seemed to be peculiarly successful. Beyond the Nubian, and scarce + visible from without, lay the large dog, which might be termed his brother + slave, and which, as if he felt awed by being transferred to a royal + owner, was couched close to the side of the mute, with head and ears on + the ground, and his limbs and tail drawn close around and under him. + </p> + <p> + While the Monarch and his new attendant were thus occupied, another actor + crept upon the scene, and mingled among the group of English yeomen, about + a score of whom, respecting the unusually pensive posture and close + occupation of their Sovereign, were, contrary to their wont, keeping a + silent guard in front of his tent. It was not, however, more vigilant than + usual. Some were playing at games of hazard with small pebbles, others + spoke together in whispers of the approaching day of battle, and several + lay asleep, their bulky limbs folded in their green mantles. + </p> + <p> + Amid these careless warders glided the puny form of a little old Turk, + poorly dressed like a marabout or santon of the desert—a sort of + enthusiasts, who sometimes ventured into the camp of the Crusaders, though + treated always with contumely, and often with violence. Indeed, the luxury + and profligate indulgence of the Christian leaders had occasioned a motley + concourse in their tents of musicians, courtesans, Jewish merchants, + Copts, Turks, and all the varied refuse of the Eastern nations; so that + the caftan and turban, though to drive both from the Holy Land was the + professed object of the expedition, were, nevertheless, neither an + uncommon nor an alarming sight in the camp of the Crusaders. When, + however, the little insignificant figure we have described approached so + nigh as to receive some interruption from the warders, he dashed his dusky + green turban from his head, showed that his beard and eyebrows were shaved + like those of a professed buffoon, and that the expression of his + fantastic and writhen features, as well as of his little black eyes, which + glittered like jet, was that of a crazed imagination. + </p> + <p> + “Dance, marabout,” cried the soldiers, acquainted with the manners of + these wandering enthusiasts, “dance, or we will scourge thee with our + bow-strings till thou spin as never top did under schoolboy's lash.” Thus + shouted the reckless warders, as much delighted at having a subject to + tease as a child when he catches a butterfly, or a schoolboy upon + discovering a bird's nest. + </p> + <p> + The marabout, as if happy to do their behests, bounded from the earth, and + spun his giddy round before them with singular agility, which, when + contrasted with his slight and wasted figure, and diminutive appearance, + made him resemble a withered leaf twirled round and round at the pleasure + of the winter's breeze. His single lock of hair streamed upwards from his + bald and shaven head, as if some genie upheld him by it; and indeed it + seemed as if supernatural art were necessary to the execution of the wild, + whirling dance, in which scarce the tiptoe of the performer was seen to + touch the ground. Amid the vagaries of his performance he flew here and + there, from one spot to another, still approaching, however, though almost + imperceptibly, to the entrance of the royal tent; so that, when at length + he sunk exhausted on the earth, after two or three bounds still higher + than those which he had yet executed, he was not above thirty yards from + the King's person. + </p> + <p> + “Give him water,” said one yeoman; “they always crave a drink after their + merry-go-round.” + </p> + <p> + “Aha, water, sayest thou, Long Allen?” exclaimed another archer, with a + most scornful emphasis on the despised element; “how wouldst like such + beverage thyself, after such a morrice dancing?” + </p> + <p> + “The devil a water-drop he gets here,” said a third. “We will teach the + light-footed old infidel to be a good Christian, and drink wine of + Cyprus.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay,” said a fourth; “and in case he be restive, fetch thou Dick + Hunter's horn, that he drenches his mare withal.” + </p> + <p> + A circle was instantly formed around the prostrate and exhausted dervise, + and while one tall yeoman raised his feeble form from the ground, another + presented to him a huge flagon of wine. Incapable of speech, the old man + shook his head, and waved away from him with his hand the liquor forbidden + by the Prophet. But his tormentors were not thus to be appeased. + </p> + <p> + “The horn, the horn!” exclaimed one. “Little difference between a Turk and + a Turkish horse, and we will use him conforming.” + </p> + <p> + “By Saint George, you will choke him!” said Long Allen; “and besides, it + is a sin to throw away upon a heathen dog as much wine as would serve a + good Christian for a treble night-cap.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou knowest not the nature of these Turks and pagans, Long Allen,” + replied Henry Woodstall. “I tell thee, man, that this flagon of Cyprus + will set his brains a-spinning, just in the opposite direction that they + went whirling in the dancing, and so bring him, as it were, to himself + again. Choke? He will no more choke on it than Ben's black bitch on the + pound of butter.” + </p> + <p> + “And for grudging it,” said Tomalin Blacklees, “why shouldst thou grudge + the poor paynim devil a drop of drink on earth, since thou knowest he is + not to have a drop to cool the tip of his tongue through a long eternity?” + </p> + <p> + “That were hard laws, look ye,” said Long Allen, “only for being a Turk, + as his father was before him. Had he been Christian turned heathen, I + grant you the hottest corner had been good winter quarters for him.” + </p> + <p> + “Hold thy peace, Long Allen,” said Henry Woodstall. “I tell thee that + tongue of thine is not the shortest limb about thee, and I prophesy that + it will bring thee into disgrace with Father Francis, as once about the + black-eyed Syrian wench. But here comes the horn. Be active a bit, man, + wilt thou, and just force open his teeth with the haft of thy + dudgeon-dagger.” + </p> + <p> + “Hold, hold—he is conformable,” said Tomalin; “see, see, he signs + for the goblet—give him room, boys! OOP SEY ES, quoth the Dutchman—down + it goes like lamb's-wool! Nay, they are true topers when once they begin—your + Turk never coughs in his cup, or stints in his liquoring.” + </p> + <p> + In fact, the dervise, or whatever he was, drank—or at least seemed + to drink—the large flagon to the very bottom at a single pull; and + when he took it from his lips after the whole contents were exhausted, + only uttered, with a deep sigh, the words, ALLAH KERIM, or God is + merciful. There was a laugh among the yeomen who witnessed this + pottle-deep potation, so obstreperous as to rouse and disturb the King, + who, raising his finger, said angrily, “How, knaves, no respect, no + observance?” + </p> + <p> + All were at once hushed into silence, well acquainted with the temper of + Richard, which at some times admitted of much military familiarity, and at + others exacted the most precise respect, although the latter humour was of + much more rare occurrence. Hastening to a more reverent distance from the + royal person, they attempted to drag along with them the marabout, who, + exhausted apparently by previous fatigue, or overpowered by the potent + draught he had just swallowed, resisted being moved from the spot, both + with struggles and groans. + </p> + <p> + “Leave him still, ye fools,” whispered Long Allen to his mates; “by Saint + Christopher, you will make our Dickon go beside himself, and we shall have + his dagger presently fly at our costards. Leave him alone; in less than a + minute he will sleep like a dormouse.” + </p> + <p> + At the same moment the Monarch darted another impatient glance to the + spot, and all retreated in haste, leaving the dervise on the ground, + unable, as it seemed, to stir a single limb or joint of his body. In a + moment afterward all was as still and quiet as it had been before the + intrusion. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + —and wither'd Murder, + Alarum'd by his sentinel, the wolf, + Whose howl's his watch, thus with his stealthy pace, + With Tarquin's ravishing strides, towards his design + Moves like a ghost. + MACBETH. +</pre> + <p> + For the space of a quarter of an hour, or longer, after the incident + related, all remained perfectly quiet in the front of the royal + habitation. The King read and mused in the entrance of his pavilion; + behind, and with his back turned to the same entrance, the Nubian slave + still burnished the ample pavesse; in front of all, at a hundred paces + distant, the yeomen of the guard stood, sat, or lay extended on the grass, + attentive to their own sports, but pursuing them in silence, while on the + esplanade betwixt them and the front of the tent lay, scarcely to be + distinguished from a bundle of rags, the senseless form of the marabout. + </p> + <p> + But the Nubian had the advantage of a mirror from the brilliant reflection + which the surface of the highly-polished shield now afforded, by means of + which he beheld, to his alarm and surprise, that the marabout raised his + head gently from the ground, so as to survey all around him, moving with a + well-adjusted precaution which seemed entirely inconsistent with a state + of ebriety. He couched his head instantly, as if satisfied he was + unobserved, and began, with the slightest possible appearance of voluntary + effort, to drag himself, as if by chance, ever nearer and nearer to the + King, but stopping and remaining fixed at intervals, like the spider, + which, moving towards her object, collapses into apparent lifelessness + when she thinks she is the subject of observation. This species of + movement appeared suspicious to the Ethiopian, who, on his part, prepared + himself, as quietly as possible, to interfere, the instant that + interference should seem to be necessary. + </p> + <p> + The marabout, meanwhile, glided on gradually and imperceptibly, + serpent-like, or rather snail-like, till he was about ten yards distant + from Richard's person, when, starting on his feet, he sprung forward with + the bound of a tiger, stood at the King's back in less than an instant, + and brandished aloft the cangiar, or poniard, which he had hidden in his + sleeve. Not the presence of his whole army could have saved their heroic + Monarch; but the motions of the Nubian had been as well calculated as + those of the enthusiast, and ere the latter could strike, the former + caught his uplifted arm. Turning his fanatical wrath upon what thus + unexpectedly interposed betwixt him and his object, the Charegite, for + such was the seeming marabout, dealt the Nubian a blow with the dagger, + which, however, only grazed his arm, while the far superior strength of + the Ethiopian easily dashed him to the ground. Aware of what had passed, + Richard had now arisen, and with little more of surprise, anger, or + interest of any kind in his countenance than an ordinary man would show in + brushing off and crushing an intrusive wasp, caught up the stool on which + he had been sitting, and exclaiming only, “Ha, dog!” dashed almost to + pieces the skull of the assassin, who uttered twice, once in a loud, and + once in a broken tone, the words ALLAH ACKBAR!—God is victorious—and + expired at the King's feet. + </p> + <p> + “Ye are careful warders,” said Richard to his archers, in a tone of + scornful reproach, as, aroused by the bustle of what had passed, in terror + and tumult they now rushed into his tent; “watchful sentinels ye are, to + leave me to do such hangman's work with my own hand. Be silent, all of + you, and cease your senseless clamour!—saw ye never a dead Turk + before? Here, cast that carrion out of the camp, strike the head from the + trunk, and stick it on a lance, taking care to turn the face to Mecca, + that he may the easier tell the foul impostor on whose inspiration he came + hither how he has sped on his errand.—For thee, my swart and silent + friend,” he added, turning to the Ethiopian—“but how's this? Thou + art wounded—and with a poisoned weapon, I warrant me, for by force + of stab so weak an animal as that could scarce hope to do more than raze + the lion's hide.—Suck the poison from his wound one of you—the + venom is harmless on the lips, though fatal when it mingles with the + blood.” + </p> + <p> + The yeomen looked on each other confusedly and with hesitation, the + apprehension of so strange a danger prevailing with those who feared no + other. + </p> + <p> + “How now, sirrahs,” continued the King, “are you dainty-lipped, or do you + fear death, that you daily thus?” + </p> + <p> + “Not the death of a man,” said Long Allen, to whom the King looked as he + spoke; “but methinks I would not die like a poisoned rat for the sake of a + black chattel there, that is bought and sold in a market like a Martlemas + ox.” + </p> + <p> + “His Grace speaks to men of sucking poison,” muttered another yeoman, “as + if he said, 'Go to, swallow a gooseberry!'” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” said Richard, “I never bade man do that which I would not do + myself.” + </p> + <p> + And without further ceremony, and in spite of the general expostulations + of those around, and the respectful opposition of the Nubian himself, the + King of England applied his lips to the wound of the black slave, treating + with ridicule all remonstrances, and overpowering all resistance. He had + no sooner intermitted his singular occupation, than the Nubian started + from him, and casting a scarf over his arm, intimated by gestures, as firm + in purpose as they were respectful in manner, his determination not to + permit the Monarch to renew so degrading an employment. Long Allen also + interposed, saying that, if it were necessary to prevent the King engaging + again in a treatment of this kind, his own lips, tongue, and teeth were at + the service of the negro (as he called the Ethiopian), and that he would + eat him up bodily, rather than King Richard's mouth should again approach + him. + </p> + <p> + Neville, who entered with other officers, added his remonstrances. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +“Nay, nay, make not a needless halloo about a hart that the hounds have +lost, or a danger when it is over,” said the King. “The wound will be a +trifle, for the blood is scarce drawn—an angry cat had dealt a deeper +scratch. And for me, I have but to take a drachm of orvietan by way of +precaution, though it is needless.” + + Thus spoke Richard, a little ashamed, perhaps, of his own +condescension, though sanctioned both by humanity and gratitude. But +when Neville continued to make remonstrances on the peril to his royal +person, the King imposed silence on him. +</pre> + <p> + “Peace, I prithee—make no more of it. I did it but to show these + ignorant, prejudiced knaves how they might help each other when these + cowardly caitiffs come against us with sarbacanes and poisoned shafts. + But,” he added, “take thee this Nubian to thy quarters, Neville—I + have changed my mind touching him—let him be well cared for. But + hark in thine ear; see that he escapes thee not—there is more in him + than seems. Let him have all liberty, so that he leave not the camp.—And + you, ye beef-devouring, wine-swilling English mastiffs, get ye to your + guard again, and be sure you keep it more warily. Think not you are now in + your own land of fair play, where men speak before they strike, and shake + hands ere they cut throats. Danger in our land walks openly, and with his + blade drawn, and defies the foe whom he means to assault; but here he + challenges you with a silk glove instead of a steel gauntlet, cuts your + throat with the feather of a turtle-dove, stabs you with the tongue of a + priest's brooch, or throttles you with the lace of my lady's boddice. Go + to—keep your eyes open and your mouths shut—drink less, and + look sharper about you; or I will place your huge stomachs on such short + allowance as would pinch the stomach of a patient Scottish man.” + </p> + <p> + The yeomen, abashed and mortified, withdrew to their post, and Neville was + beginning to remonstrate with his master upon the risk of passing over + thus slightly their negligence upon their duty, and the propriety of an + example in a case so peculiarly aggravated as the permitting one so + suspicious as the marabout to approach within dagger's length of his + person, when Richard interrupted him with, “Speak not of it, Neville—wouldst + thou have me avenge a petty risk to myself more severely than the loss of + England's banner? It has been stolen—stolen by a thief, or delivered + up by a traitor, and no blood has been shed for it.—My sable friend, + thou art an expounder of mysteries, saith the illustrious Soldan—now + would I give thee thine own weight in gold, if, by raising one still + blacker than thyself or by what other means thou wilt, thou couldst show + me the thief who did mine honour that wrong. What sayest thou, ha?” + </p> + <p> + The mute seemed desirous to speak, but uttered only that imperfect sound + proper to his melancholy condition; then folded his arms, looked on the + King with an eye of intelligence, and nodded in answer to his question. + </p> + <p> + “How!” said Richard, with joyful impatience. “Wilt thou undertake to make + discovery in this matter?” + </p> + <p> + The Nubian slave repeated the same motion. + </p> + <p> + “But how shall we understand each other?” said the King. “Canst thou + write, good fellow?” + </p> + <p> + The slave again nodded in assent. + </p> + <p> + “Give him writing-tools,” said the King. “They were readier in my father's + tent than mine; but they be somewhere about, if this scorching climate + have not dried up the ink.—Why, this fellow is a jewel—a black + diamond, Neville.” + </p> + <p> + “So please you, my liege,” said Neville, “if I might speak my poor mind, + it were ill dealing in this ware. This man must be a wizard, and wizards + deal with the Enemy, who hath most interest to sow tares among the wheat, + and bring dissension into our councils, and—” + </p> + <p> + “Peace, Neville,” said Richard. “Hello to your northern hound when he is + close on the haunch of the deer, and hope to recall him, but seek not to + stop Plantagenet when he hath hope to retrieve his honour.” + </p> + <p> + The slave, who during this discussion had been writing, in which art he + seemed skilful, now arose, and pressing what he had written to his brow, + prostrated himself as usual, ere he delivered it into the King's hands. + The scroll was in French, although their intercourse had hitherto been + conducted by Richard in the lingua franca. + </p> + <p> + “To Richard, the conquering and invincible King of England, this from the + humblest of his slaves. Mysteries are the sealed caskets of Heaven, but + wisdom may devise means to open the lock. Were your slave stationed where + the leaders of the Christian host were made to pass before him in order, + doubt nothing that if he who did the injury whereof my King complains + shall be among the number, he may be made manifest in his iniquity, though + it be hidden under seven veils.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, by Saint George!” said King Richard, “thou hast spoken most + opportunely.—Neville, thou knowest that when we muster our troops + to-morrow the princes have agreed that, to expiate the affront offered to + England in the theft of her banner, the leaders should pass our new + standard as it floats on Saint George's Mount, and salute it with formal + regard. Believe me, the secret traitor will not dare to absent himself + from an expurgation so solemn, lest his very absence should be matter of + suspicion. There will we place our sable man of counsel, and if his art + can detect the villain, leave me to deal with him.” + </p> + <p> + “My liege,” said Neville, with the frankness of an English baron, “beware + what work you begin. Here is the concord of our holy league unexpectedly + renewed—will you, upon such suspicion as a negro slave can instil, + tear open wounds so lately closed? Or will you use the solemn procession, + adopted for the reparation of your honour and establishment of unanimity + amongst the discording princes, as the means of again finding out new + cause of offence, or reviving ancient quarrels? It were scarce too strong + to say this were a breach of the declaration your Grace made to the + assembled Council of the Crusade.” + </p> + <p> + “Neville,” said the King, sternly interrupting him, “thy zeal makes thee + presumptuous and unmannerly. Never did I promise to abstain from taking + whatever means were most promising to discover the infamous author of the + attack on my honour. Ere I had done so, I would have renounced my kingdom, + my life. All my declarations were under this necessary and absolute + qualification;—only, if Austria had stepped forth and owned the + injury like a man, I proffered, for the sake of Christendom, to have + forgiven HIM.” + </p> + <p> + “But,” continued the baron anxiously, “what hope that this juggling slave + of Saladin will not palter with your Grace?” + </p> + <p> + “Peace, Neville,” said the King; “thou thinkest thyself mighty wise, and + art but a fool. Mind thou my charge touching this fellow; there is more in + him than thy Westmoreland wit can fathom.—And thou, smart and + silent, prepare to perform the feat thou hast promised, and, by the word + of a King, thou shalt choose thine own recompense.—Lo, he writes + again.” + </p> + <p> + The mute accordingly wrote and delivered to the King, with the same form + as before, another slip of paper, containing these words, “The will of the + King is the law to his slave; nor doth it become him to ask guerdon for + discharge of his devoir.” + </p> + <p> + “GUERDON and DEVOIR!” said the King, interrupting himself as he read, and + speaking to Neville in the English tongue with some emphasis on the words. + “These Eastern people will profit by the Crusaders—they are + acquiring the language of chivalry! And see, Neville, how discomposed that + fellow looks! were it not for his colour he would blush. I should not + think it strange if he understood what I say—they are perilous + linguists.” + </p> + <p> + “The poor slave cannot endure your Grace's eye,” said Neville; “it is + nothing more.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, but,” continued the King, striking the paper with his finger as he + proceeded, “this bold scroll proceeds to say that our trusty mute is + charged with a message from Saladin to the Lady Edith Plantagenet, and + craves means and opportunity to deliver it. What thinkest thou of a + request so modest—ha, Neville?” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot say,” said Neville, “how such freedom may relish with your + Grace; but the lease of the messenger's neck would be a short one, who + should carry such a request to the Soldan on the part of your Majesty.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, I thank Heaven that I covet none of his sunburnt beauties,” said + Richard; “and for punishing this fellow for discharging his master's + errand, and that when he has just saved my life—methinks it were + something too summary. I'll tell thee, Neville, a secret; for although our + sable and mute minister be present, he cannot, thou knowest, tell it over + again, even if he should chance to understand us. I tell thee that, for + this fortnight past, I have been under a strange spell, and I would I were + disenchanted. There has no sooner any one done me good service, but, lo + you, he cancels his interest in me by some deep injury; and, on the other + hand, he who hath deserved death at my hands for some treachery or some + insult, is sure to be the very person of all others who confers upon me + some obligation that overbalances his demerits, and renders respite of his + sentence a debt due from my honour. Thus, thou seest, I am deprived of the + best part of my royal function, since I can neither punish men nor reward + them. Until the influence of this disqualifying planet be passed away, I + will say nothing concerning the request of this our sable attendant, save + that it is an unusually bold one, and that his best chance of finding + grace in our eyes will be to endeavour to make the discovery which he + proposes to achieve in our behalf. Meanwhile, Neville, do thou look well + to him, and let him be honourably cared for. And hark thee once more,” he + said, in a low whisper, “seek out yonder hermit of Engaddi, and bring him + to me forthwith, be he saint or savage, madman or sane. Let me see him + privately.” + </p> + <p> + Neville retired from the royal tent, signing to the Nubian to follow him, + and much surprised at what he had seen and heard, and especially at the + unusual demeanour of the King. In general, no task was so easy as to + discover Richard's immediate course of sentiment and feeling, though it + might, in some cases, be difficult to calculate its duration; for no + weathercock obeyed the changing wind more readily than the King his gusts + of passion. But on the present occasion his manner seemed unusually + constrained and mysterious; nor was it easy to guess whether displeasure + or kindness predominated in his conduct towards his new dependant, or in + the looks with which, from time to time, he regarded him. The ready + service which the King had rendered to counteract the bad effects of the + Nubian's wound might seem to balance the obligation conferred on him by + the slave when he intercepted the blow of the assassin; but it seemed, as + a much longer account remained to be arranged between them, that the + Monarch was doubtful whether the settlement might leave him, upon the + whole, debtor or creditor, and that, therefore, he assumed in the meantime + a neutral demeanour, which might suit with either character. As for the + Nubian, by whatever means he had acquired the art of writing the European + languages, the King remained convinced that the English tongue at least + was unknown to him, since, having watched him closely during the last part + of the interview, he conceived it impossible for any one understanding a + conversation, of which he was himself the subject, to have so completely + avoided the appearance of taking an interest in it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Who's there!—Approach—'tis kindly done— + My learned physician and a friend. + SIR EUSTACE GREY. +</pre> + <p> + Our narrative retrogrades to a period shortly previous to the incidents + last mentioned, when, as the reader must remember, the unfortunate Knight + of the Leopard, bestowed upon the Arabian physician by King Richard, + rather as a slave than in any other capacity, was exiled from the camp of + the Crusaders, in whose ranks he had so often and so brilliantly + distinguished himself. He followed his new master—for so he must now + term the Hakim—to the Moorish tents which contained his retinue and + his property, with the stupefied feelings of one who, fallen from the + summit of a precipice, and escaping unexpectedly with life, is just able + to drag himself from the fatal spot, but without the power of estimating + the extent of the damage which he has sustained. Arrived at the tent, he + threw himself, without speech of any kind, upon a couch of dressed + buffalo's hide, which was pointed out to him by his conductor, and hiding + his face betwixt his hands, groaned heavily, as if his heart were on the + point of bursting. The physician heard him, as he was giving orders to his + numerous domestics to prepare for their departure the next morning before + daybreak, and, moved with compassion, interrupted his occupation to sit + down, cross-legged, by the side of his couch, and administer comfort + according to the Oriental manner. + </p> + <p> + “My friend,” he said, “be of good comfort; for what saith the poet—it + is better that a man should be the servant of a kind master than the slave + of his own wild passions. Again, be of good courage; because, whereas + Ysouf Ben Yagoube was sold to a king by his brethren, even to Pharaoh, + King of Egypt, thy king hath, on the other hand, bestowed thee on one who + will be to thee as a brother.” + </p> + <p> + Sir Kenneth made an effort to thank the Hakim, but his heart was too full, + and the indistinct sounds which accompanied his abortive attempts to reply + induced the kind physician to desist from his premature endeavours at + consolation. He left his new domestic, or guest, in quiet, to indulge his + sorrows, and having commanded all the necessary preparations for their + departure on the morning, sat down upon the carpet of the tent, and + indulged himself in a moderate repast. After he had thus refreshed + himself, similar viands were offered to the Scottish knight; but though + the slaves let him understand that the next day would be far advanced ere + they would halt for the purpose of refreshment, Sir Kenneth could not + overcome the disgust which he felt against swallowing any nourishment, and + could be prevailed upon to taste nothing, saving a draught of cold water. + </p> + <p> + He was awake long after his Arab host had performed his usual devotions + and betaken himself to his repose; nor had sleep visited him at the hour + of midnight, when a movement took place among the domestics, which, though + attended with no speech, and very little noise, made him aware they were + loading the camels and preparing for departure. In the course of these + preparations, the last person who was disturbed, excepting the physician + himself, was the knight of Scotland, whom, about three in the morning, a + sort of major-domo, or master of the household, acquainted that he must + arise. He did so, without further answer, and followed him into the + moonlight, where stood the camels, most of which were already loaded, and + one only remained kneeling until its burden should be completed. + </p> + <p> + A little apart from the camels stood a number of horses ready bridled and + saddled, and the Hakim himself, coming forth, mounted on one of them with + as much agility as the grave decorum of his character permitted, and + directed another, which he pointed out, to be led towards Sir Kenneth. An + English officer was in attendance, to escort them through the camp of the + Crusaders, and to ensure their leaving it in safety; and all was ready for + their departure. The pavilion which they had left was, in the meanwhile, + struck with singular dispatch, and the tent-poles and coverings composed + the burden of the last camel—when the physician, pronouncing + solemnly the verse of the Koran, “God be our guide, and Mohammed our + protector, in the desert as in the watered field,” the whole cavalcade was + instantly in motion. + </p> + <p> + In traversing the camp, they were challenged by the various sentinels who + maintained guard there, and suffered to proceed in silence, or with a + muttered curse upon their prophet, as they passed the post of some more + zealous Crusader. At length the last barriers were left behind them, and + the party formed themselves for the march with military precaution. Two or + three horsemen advanced in front as a vanguard; one or two remained a + bow-shot in the rear; and, wherever the ground admitted, others were + detached to keep an outlook on the flanks. In this manner they proceeded + onward; while Sir Kenneth, looking back on the moonlit camp, might now + indeed seem banished, deprived at once of honour and of liberty, from the + glimmering banners under which he had hoped to gain additional renown, and + the tented dwellings of chivalry, of Christianity, and—of Edith + Plantagenet. + </p> + <p> + The Hakim, who rode by his side, observed, in his usual tone of + sententious consolation, “It is unwise to look back when the journey lieth + forward;” and as he spoke, the horse of the knight made such a perilous + stumble as threatened to add a practical moral to the tale. + </p> + <p> + The knight was compelled by this hint to give more attention to the + management of his steed, which more than once required the assistance and + support of the check-bridle, although, in other respects, nothing could be + more easy at once, and active, than the ambling pace at which the animal + (which was a mare) proceeded. + </p> + <p> + “The conditions of that horse,” observed the sententious physician, “are + like those of human fortune—seeing that, amidst his most swift and + easy pace, the rider must guard himself against a fall, and that it is + when prosperity is at the highest that our prudence should be awake and + vigilant to prevent misfortune.” + </p> + <p> + The overloaded appetite loathes even the honeycomb, and it is scarce a + wonder that the knight, mortified and harassed with misfortunes and + abasement, became something impatient of hearing his misery made, at every + turn, the ground of proverbs and apothegms, however just and apposite. + </p> + <p> + “Methinks,” he said, rather peevishly, “I wanted no additional + illustration of the instability of fortune though I would thank thee, Sir + Hakim, for the choice of a steed for me, would the jade but stumble so + effectually as at once to break my neck and her own.” + </p> + <p> + “My brother,” answered the Arab sage, with imperturbable gravity, “thou + speakest as one of the foolish. Thou sayest in thy heart that the sage + should have given you, as his guest, the younger and better horse, and + reserved the old one for himself. But know that the defects of the older + steed may be compensated by the energies of the young rider, whereas the + violence of the young horse requires to be moderated by the cold temper of + the older.” + </p> + <p> + So spoke the sage; but neither to this observation did Sir Kenneth return + any answer which could lead to a continuance of their conversation, and + the physician, wearied, perhaps, of administering comfort to one who would + not be comforted, signed to one of his retinue. + </p> + <p> + “Hassan,” he said, “hast thou nothing wherewith to beguile the way?” + </p> + <p> + Hassan, story-teller and poet by profession, spurred up, upon this + summons, to exercise his calling. “Lord of the palace of life,” he said, + addressing the physician, “thou, before whom the angel Azrael spreadeth + his wings for flight—thou, wiser than Solimaun Ben Daoud, upon whose + signet was inscribed the REAL NAME which controls the spirits of the + elements—forbid it, Heaven, that while thou travellest upon the + track of benevolence, bearing healing and hope wherever thou comest, thine + own course should be saddened for lack of the tale and of the song. + Behold, while thy servant is at thy side, he will pour forth the treasures + of his memory, as the fountain sendeth her stream beside the pathway, for + the refreshment or him that walketh thereon.” + </p> + <p> + After this exordium, Hassan uplifted his voice, and began a tale of love + and magic, intermixed with feats of warlike achievement, and ornamented + with abundant quotations from the Persian poets, with whose compositions + the orator seemed familiar. The retinue of the physician, such excepted as + were necessarily detained in attendance on the camels, thronged up to the + narrator, and pressed as close as deference for their master permitted, to + enjoy the delight which the inhabitants of the East have ever derived from + this species of exhibition. + </p> + <p> + At another time, notwithstanding his imperfect knowledge of the language, + Sir Kenneth might have been interested in the recitation, which, though + dictated by a more extravagant imagination, and expressed in more inflated + and metaphorical language, bore yet a strong resemblance to the romances + of chivalry then so fashionable in Europe. But as matters stood with him, + he was scarcely even sensible that a man in the centre of the cavalcade + recited and sung, in a low tone, for nearly two hours, modulating his + voice to the various moods of passion introduced into the tale, and + receiving, in return, now low murmurs of applause, now muttered + expressions of wonder, now sighs and tears, and sometimes, what it was far + more difficult to extract from such an audience, a tribute of smiles, and + even laughter. + </p> + <p> + During the recitation, the attention of the exile, however abstracted by + his own deep sorrow, was occasionally awakened by the low wail of a dog, + secured in a wicker enclosure suspended on one of the camels, which, as an + experienced woodsman, he had no hesitation in recognizing to be that of + his own faithful hound; and from the plaintive tone of the animal, he had + no doubt that he was sensible of his master's vicinity, and, in his way, + invoking his assistance for liberty and rescue. + </p> + <p> + “Alas! poor Roswal,” he said, “thou callest for aid and sympathy upon one + in stricter bondage than thou thyself art. I will not seem to heed thee or + return thy affection, since it would serve but to load our parting with + yet more bitterness.” + </p> + <p> + Thus passed the hours of night and the space of dim hazy dawn which forms + the twilight of a Syrian morning. But when the very first line of the + sun's disk began to rise above the level horizon, and when the very first + level ray shot glimmering in dew along the surface of the desert, which + the travellers had now attained, the sonorous voice of El Hakim himself + overpowered and cut short the narrative of the tale-teller, while he + caused to resound along the sands the solemn summons, which the muezzins + thunder at morning from the minaret of every mosque. + </p> + <p> + “To prayer—to prayer! God is the one God.—To prayer—to + prayer! Mohammed is the Prophet of God.—To prayer—to prayer! + Time is flying from you.—To prayer—to prayer! Judgment is + drawing nigh to you.” + </p> + <p> + In an instant each Moslem cast himself from his horse, turned his face + towards Mecca, and performed with sand an imitation of those ablutions, + which were elsewhere required to be made with water, while each + individual, in brief but fervent ejaculations, recommended himself to the + care, and his sins to the forgiveness, of God and the Prophet. + </p> + <p> + Even Sir Kenneth, whose reason at once and prejudices were offended by + seeing his companions in that which he considered as an act of idolatry, + could not help respecting the sincerity of their misguided zeal, and being + stimulated by their fervour to apply supplications to Heaven in a purer + form, wondering, meanwhile, what new-born feelings could teach him to + accompany in prayer, though with varied invocation, those very Saracens, + whose heathenish worship he had conceived a crime dishonourable to the + land in which high miracles had been wrought, and where the day-star of + redemption had arisen. + </p> + <p> + The act of devotion, however, though rendered in such strange society, + burst purely from his natural feelings of religious duty, and had its + usual effect in composing the spirits which had been long harassed by so + rapid a succession of calamities. The sincere and earnest approach of the + Christian to the throne of the Almighty teaches the best lesson of + patience under affliction; since wherefore should we mock the Deity with + supplications, when we insult him by murmuring under His decrees? or how, + while our prayers have in every word admitted the vanity and nothingness + of the things of time in comparison to those of eternity, should we hope + to deceive the Searcher of Hearts, by permitting the world and worldly + passions to reassume the reins even immediately after a solemn address to + Heaven! But Sir Kenneth was not of these. He felt himself comforted and + strengthened, and better prepared to execute or submit to whatever his + destiny might call upon him to do or to suffer. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, the party of Saracens regained their saddles, and continued + their route, and the tale-teller, Hassan, resumed the thread of his + narrative; but it was no longer to the same attentive audience. A + horseman, who had ascended some high ground on the right hand of the + little column, had returned on a speedy gallop to El Hakim, and + communicated with him. Four or five more cavaliers had then been + dispatched, and the little band, which might consist of about twenty or + thirty persons, began to follow them with their eyes, as men from whose + gestures, and advance or retreat, they were to augur good or evil. Hassan, + finding his audience inattentive, or being himself attracted by the + dubious appearances on the flank, stinted in his song; and the march + became silent, save when a camel-driver called out to his patient charge, + or some anxious follower of the Hakim communicated with his next neighbour + in a hurried and low whisper. + </p> + <p> + This suspense continued until they had rounded a ridge, composed of + hillocks of sand, which concealed from their main body the object that had + created this alarm among their scouts. Sir Kenneth could now see, at the + distance of a mile or more, a dark object moving rapidly on the bosom of + the desert, which his experienced eye recognized for a party of cavalry, + much superior to their own in numbers, and, from the thick and frequent + flashes which flung back the level beams of the rising sun, it was plain + that these were Europeans in their complete panoply. + </p> + <p> + The anxious looks which the horsemen of El Hakim now cast upon their + leader seemed to indicate deep apprehension; while he, with gravity as + undisturbed as when he called his followers to prayer, detached two of his + best-mounted cavaliers, with instructions to approach as closely as + prudence permitted to these travellers of the desert, and observe more + minutely their numbers, their character, and, if possible, their purpose. + The approach of danger, or what was feared as such, was like a stimulating + draught to one in apathy, and recalled Sir Kenneth to himself and his + situation. + </p> + <p> + “What fear you from these Christian horsemen, for such they seem?” he said + to the Hakim. + </p> + <p> + “Fear!” said El Hakim, repeating the word disdainfully. “The sage fears + nothing but Heaven, but ever expects from wicked men the worst which they + can do.” + </p> + <p> + “They are Christians,” said Sir Kenneth, “and it is the time of truce—why + should you fear a breach of faith?” + </p> + <p> + “They are the priestly soldiers of the Temple,” answered El Hakim, “whose + vow limits them to know neither truce nor faith with the worshippers of + Islam. May the Prophet blight them, both root, branch, and twig! Their + peace is war, and their faith is falsehood. Other invaders of Palestine + have their times and moods of courtesy. The lion Richard will spare when + he has conquered, the eagle Philip will close his wing when he has + stricken a prey, even the Austrian bear will sleep when he is gorged; but + this horde of ever-hungry wolves know neither pause nor satiety in their + rapine. Seest thou not that they are detaching a party from their main + body, and that they take an eastern direction? Yon are their pages and + squires, whom they train up in their accursed mysteries, and whom, as + lighter mounted, they send to cut us off from our watering-place. But they + will be disappointed. I know the war of the desert yet better than they.” + </p> + <p> + He spoke a few words to his principal officer, and his whole demeanour and + countenance was at once changed from the solemn repose of an Eastern sage + accustomed more to contemplation than to action, into the prompt and proud + expression of a gallant soldier whose energies are roused by the near + approach of a danger which he at once foresees and despises. + </p> + <p> + To Sir Kenneth's eyes the approaching crisis had a different aspect, and + when Adonbec said to him, “Thou must tarry close by my side,” he answered + solemnly in the negative. + </p> + <p> + “Yonder,” he said, “are my comrades in arms—the men in whose society + I have vowed to fight or fall. On their banner gleams the sign of our most + blessed redemption—I cannot fly from the Cross in company with the + Crescent.” + </p> + <p> + “Fool!” said the Hakim; “their first action would be to do thee to death, + were it only to conceal their breach of the truce.” + </p> + <p> + “Of that I must take my chance,” replied Sir Kenneth; “but I wear not the + bonds of the infidels an instant longer than I can cast them from me.” + </p> + <p> + “Then will I compel thee to follow me,” said El Hakim. + </p> + <p> + “Compel!” answered Sir Kenneth angrily. “Wert thou not my benefactor, or + one who has showed will to be such, and were it not that it is to thy + confidence I owe the freedom of these hands, which thou mightst have + loaded with fetters, I would show thee that, unarmed as I am, compulsion + would be no easy task.” + </p> + <p> + “Enough, enough,” replied the Arabian physician, “we lose time even when + it is becoming precious.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, he threw his arm aloft, and uttered a loud and shrill cry, as a + signal to his retinue, who instantly dispersed themselves on the face of + the desert, in as many different directions as a chaplet of beads when the + string is broken. Sir Kenneth had no time to note what ensued; for, at the + same instant, the Hakim seized the rein of his steed, and putting his own + to its mettle, both sprung forth at once with the suddenness of light, and + at a pitch of velocity which almost deprived the Scottish knight of the + power of respiration, and left him absolutely incapable, had he been + desirous, to have checked the career of his guide. Practised as Sir + Kenneth was in horsemanship from his earliest youth, the speediest horse + he had ever mounted was a tortoise in comparison to those of the Arabian + sage. They spurned the sand from behind them; they seemed to devour the + desert before them; miles flew away with minutes—and yet their + strength seemed unabated, and their respiration as free as when they first + started upon the wonderful race. The motion, too, as easy as it was swift, + seemed more like flying through the air than riding on the earth, and was + attended with no unpleasant sensation, save the awe naturally felt by one + who is moving at such astonishing speed, and the difficulty of breathing + occasioned by their passing through the air so rapidly. + </p> + <p> + It was not until after an hour of this portentous motion, and when all + human pursuit was far, far behind, that the Hakim at length relaxed his + speed, and, slackening the pace of the horses into a hand-gallop, began, + in a voice as composed and even as if he had been walking for the last + hour, a descant upon the excellence of his coursers to the Scot, who, + breathless, half blind, half deaf, and altogether giddy; from the rapidity + of this singular ride, hardly comprehended the words which flowed so + freely from his companion. + </p> + <p> + “These horses,” he said, “are of the breed called the Winged, equal in + speed to aught excepting the Borak of the Prophet. They are fed on the + golden barley of Yemen, mixed with spices and with a small portion of + dried sheep's flesh. Kings have given provinces to possess them, and their + age is active as their youth. Thou, Nazarene, art the first, save a true + believer, that ever had beneath his loins one of this noble race, a gift + of the Prophet himself to the blessed Ali, his kinsman and lieutenant, + well called the Lion of God. Time lays his touch so lightly on these + generous steeds, that the mare on which thou now sittest has seen five + times five years pass over her, yet retains her pristine speed and vigour, + only that in the career the support of a bridle, managed by a hand more + experienced than thine, hath now become necessary. May the Prophet be + blessed, who hath bestowed on the true believers the means of advance and + retreat, which causeth their iron-clothed enemies to be worn out with + their own ponderous weight! How the horses of yonder dog Templars must + have snorted and blown, when they had toiled fetlock-deep in the desert + for one-twentieth part of the space which these brave steeds have left + behind them, without one thick pant, or a drop of moisture upon their + sleek and velvet coats!” + </p> + <p> + The Scottish knight, who had now begun to recover his breath and powers of + attention, could not help acknowledging in his heart the advantage + possessed by these Eastern warriors in a race of animals, alike proper for + advance or retreat, and so admirably adapted to the level and sandy + deserts of Arabia and Syria. But he did not choose to augment the pride of + the Moslem by acquiescing in his proud claim of superiority, and therefore + suffered the conversation to drop, and, looking around him, could now, at + the more moderate pace at which they moved, distinguish that he was in a + country not unknown to him. + </p> + <p> + The blighted borders and sullen waters of the Dead Sea, the ragged and + precipitous chain of mountains arising on the left, the two or three palms + clustered together, forming the single green speck on the bosom of the + waste wilderness—objects which, once seen, were scarcely to be + forgotten—showed to Sir Kenneth that they were approaching the + fountain called the Diamond of the Desert, which had been the scene of his + interview on a former occasion with the Saracen Emir Sheerkohf, or + Ilderim. In a few minutes they checked their horses beside the spring, and + the Hakim invited Sir Kenneth to descend from horseback and repose himself + as in a place of safety. They unbridled their steeds, El Hakim observing + that further care of them was unnecessary, since they would be speedily + joined by some of the best mounted among his slaves, who would do what + further was needful. + </p> + <p> + “Meantime,” he said, spreading some food on the grass, “eat and drink, and + be not discouraged. Fortune may raise up or abase the ordinary mortal, but + the sage and the soldier should have minds beyond her control.” + </p> + <p> + The Scottish knight endeavoured to testify his thanks by showing himself + docile; but though he strove to eat out of complaisance, the singular + contrast between his present situation and that which he had occupied on + the same spot when the envoy of princes and the victor in combat, came + like a cloud over his mind, and fasting, lassitude, and fatigue oppressed + his bodily powers. El Hakim examined his hurried pulse, his red and + inflamed eye, his heated hand, and his shortened respiration. + </p> + <p> + “The mind,” he said, “grows wise by watching, but her sister the body, of + coarser materials, needs the support of repose. Thou must sleep; and that + thou mayest do so to refreshment, thou must take a draught mingled with + this elixir.” + </p> + <p> + He drew from his bosom a small crystal vial, cased in silver + filigree-work, and dropped into a little golden drinking-cup a small + portion of a dark-coloured fluid. + </p> + <p> + “This,” he said, “is one of those productions which Allah hath sent on + earth for a blessing, though man's weakness and wickedness have sometimes + converted it into a curse. It is powerful as the wine-cup of the Nazarene + to drop the curtain on the sleepless eye, and to relieve the burden of the + overloaded bosom; but when applied to the purposes of indulgence and + debauchery, it rends the nerves, destroys the strength, weakens the + intellect, and undermines life. But fear not thou to use its virtues in + the time of need, for the wise man warms him by the same firebrand with + which the madman burneth the tent.” [Some preparation of opium seems to be + intimated.] + </p> + <p> + “I have seen too much of thy skill, sage Hakim,” said Sir Kenneth, “to + debate thine hest;” and swallowed the narcotic, mingled as it was with + some water from the spring, then wrapped him in the haik, or Arab cloak, + which had been fastened to his saddle-pommel, and, according to the + directions of the physician, stretched himself at ease in the shade to + await the promised repose. Sleep came not at first, but in her stead a + train of pleasing yet not rousing or awakening sensations. A state ensued + in which, still conscious of his own identity and his own condition, the + knight felt enabled to consider them not only without alarm and sorrow, + but as composedly as he might have viewed the story of his misfortunes + acted upon a stage—or rather as a disembodied spirit might regard + the transactions of its past existence. From this state of repose, + amounting almost to apathy respecting the past, his thoughts were carried + forward to the future, which, in spite of all that existed to overcloud + the prospect, glittered with such hues as, under much happier auspices, + his unstimulated imagination had not been able to produce, even in its + most exalted state. Liberty, fame, successful love, appeared to be the + certain and not very distant prospect of the enslaved exile, the + dishonoured knight, even of the despairing lover who had placed his hopes + of happiness so far beyond the prospect of chance, in her wildest + possibilities, serving to countenance his wishes. Gradually as the + intellectual sight became overclouded, these gay visions became obscure, + like the dying hues of sunset, until they were at last lost in total + oblivion; and Sir Kenneth lay extended at the feet of El Hakim, to all + appearance, but for his deep respiration, as inanimate a corpse as if life + had actually departed. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 'Mid these wild scenes Enchantment waves her hand, + To change the face of the mysterious land; + Till the bewildering scenes around us seem + The Vain productions of a feverish dream. + ASTOLPHO, A ROMANCE. +</pre> + <p> + When the Knight of the Leopard awoke from his long and profound repose, he + found himself in circumstances so different from those in which he had + lain down to sleep, that he doubted whether he was not still dreaming, or + whether the scene had not been changed by magic. Instead of the damp + grass, he lay on a couch of more than Oriental luxury; and some kind hands + had, during his repose, stripped him of the cassock of chamois which he + wore under his armour, and substituted a night-dress of the finest linen + and a loose gown of silk. He had been canopied only by the palm-trees of + the desert, but now he lay beneath a silken pavilion, which blazed with + the richest colours of the Chinese loom, while a slight curtain of gauze, + displayed around his couch, was calculated to protect his repose from the + insects, to which he had, ever since his arrival in these climates, been a + constant and passive prey. He looked around, as if to convince himself + that he was actually awake; and all that fell beneath his eye partook of + the splendour of his dormitory. A portable bath of cedar, lined with + silver, was ready for use, and steamed with the odours which had been used + in preparing it. On a small stand of ebony beside the couch stood a silver + vase, containing sherbet of the most exquisite quality, cold as snow, and + which the thirst that followed the use of the strong narcotic rendered + peculiarly delicious. Still further to dispel the dregs of intoxication + which it had left behind, the knight resolved to use the bath, and + experienced in doing so a delightful refreshment. Having dried himself + with napkins of the Indian wool, he would willingly have resumed his own + coarse garments, that he might go forth to see whether the world was as + much changed without as within the place of his repose. These, however, + were nowhere to be seen, but in their place he found a Saracen dress of + rich materials, with sabre and poniard, and all befitting an emir of + distinction. He was able to suggest no motive to himself for this + exuberance of care, excepting a suspicion that these attentions were + intended to shake him in his religious profession—as indeed it was + well known that the high esteem of the European knowledge and courage made + the Soldan unbounded in his gifts to those who, having become his + prisoners, had been induced to take the turban. Sir Kenneth, therefore, + crossing himself devoutly, resolved to set all such snares at defiance; + and that he might do so the more firmly, conscientiously determined to + avail himself as moderately as possible of the attentions and luxuries + thus liberally heaped upon him. Still, however, he felt his head oppressed + and sleepy; and aware, too, that his undress was not fit for appearing + abroad, he reclined upon the couch, and was again locked in the arms of + slumber. + </p> + <p> + But this time his rest was not unbroken, for he was awakened by the voice + of the physician at the door of the tent, inquiring after his health, and + whether he had rested sufficiently. “May I enter your tent?” he concluded, + “for the curtain is drawn before the entrance.” + </p> + <p> + “The master,” replied Sir Kenneth, determined to show that he was not + surprised into forgetfulness of his own condition, “need demand no + permission to enter the tent of the slave.” + </p> + <p> + “But if I come not as a master?” said El Hakim, still without entering. + </p> + <p> + “The physician,” answered the knight, “hath free access to the bedside of + his patient.” + </p> + <p> + “Neither come I now as a physician,” replied El Hakim; “and therefore I + still request permission, ere I come under the covering of thy tent.” + </p> + <p> + “Whoever comes as a friend,” said Sir Kenneth, “and such thou hast + hitherto shown thyself to me, the habitation of the friend is ever open to + him.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet once again,” said the Eastern sage, after the periphrastical manner + of his countrymen, “supposing that I come not as a friend?” + </p> + <p> + “Come as thou wilt,” said the Scottish knight, somewhat impatient of this + circumlocution; “be what thou wilt—thou knowest well it is neither + in my power nor my inclination to refuse thee entrance.” + </p> + <p> + “I come, then,” said El Hakim, “as your ancient foe, but a fair and a + generous one.” + </p> + <p> + He entered as he spoke; and when he stood before the bedside of Sir + Kenneth, the voice continued to be that of Adonbec, the Arabian physician, + but the form, dress, and features were those of Ilderim of Kurdistan, + called Sheerkohf. Sir Kenneth gazed upon him as if he expected the vision + to depart, like something created by his imagination. + </p> + <p> + “Doth it so surprise thee,” said Ilderim, “and thou an approved warrior, + to see that a soldier knows somewhat of the art of healing? I say to thee, + Nazarene, that an accomplished cavalier should know how to dress his + steed, as well as how to ride him; how to forge his sword upon the stithy, + as well as how to use it in battle; how to burnish his arms, as well as + how to wear them; and, above all, how to cure wounds, as well as how to + inflict them.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, the Christian knight repeatedly shut his eyes, and while they + remained closed, the idea of the Hakim, with his long, flowing dark robes, + high Tartar cap, and grave gestures was present to his imagination; but so + soon as he opened them, the graceful and richly-gemmed turban, the light + hauberk of steel rings entwisted with silver, which glanced brilliantly as + it obeyed every inflection of the body, the features freed from their + formal expression, less swarthy, and no longer shadowed by the mass of + hair (now limited to a well-trimmed beard), announced the soldier and not + the sage. + </p> + <p> + “Art thou still so much surprised,” said the Emir, “and hast thou walked + in the world with such little observance, as to wonder that men are not + always what they seem? Thou thyself—art thou what thou seemest?” + </p> + <p> + “No, by Saint Andrew!” exclaimed the knight; “for to the whole Christian + camp I seem a traitor, and I know myself to be a true though an erring + man.” + </p> + <p> + “Even so I judged thee,” said Ilderim; “and as we had eaten salt together, + I deemed myself bound to rescue thee from death and contumely. But + wherefore lie you still on your couch, since the sun is high in the + heavens? or are the vestments which my sumpter-camels have afforded + unworthy of your wearing?” + </p> + <p> + “Not unworthy, surely, but unfitting for it,” replied the Scot. “Give me + the dress of a slave, noble Ilderim, and I will don it with pleasure; but + I cannot brook to wear the habit of the free Eastern warrior with the + turban of the Moslem.” + </p> + <p> + “Nazarene,” answered the Emir, “thy nation so easily entertain suspicion + that it may well render themselves suspected. Have I not told thee that + Saladin desires no converts saving those whom the holy Prophet shall + dispose to submit themselves to his law? violence and bribery are alike + alien to his plan for extending the true faith. Hearken to me, my brother. + When the blind man was miraculously restored to sight, the scales dropped + from his eyes at the Divine pleasure. Think'st thou that any earthly leech + could have removed them? No. Such mediciner might have tormented the + patient with his instruments, or perhaps soothed him with his balsams and + cordials, but dark as he was must the darkened man have remained; and it + is even so with the blindness of the understanding. If there be those + among the Franks who, for the sake of worldly lucre, have assumed the + turban of the Prophet, and followed the laws of Islam, with their own + consciences be the blame. Themselves sought out the bait; it was not flung + to them by the Soldan. And when they shall hereafter be sentenced, as + hypocrites, to the lowest gulf of hell, below Christian and Jew, magician + and idolater, and condemned to eat the fruit of the tree Yacoun, which is + the heads of demons, to themselves, not to the Soldan, shall their guilt + and their punishment be attributed. Wherefore wear, without doubt or + scruple, the vesture prepared for you, since, if you proceed to the camp + of Saladin, your own native dress will expose you to troublesome + observation, and perhaps to insult.” + </p> + <p> + “IF I go to the camp of Saladin?” said Sir Kenneth, repeating the words of + the Emir; “alas! am I a free agent, and rather must I NOT go wherever your + pleasure carries me?” + </p> + <p> + “Thine own will may guide thine own motions,” said the Emir, “as freely as + the wind which moveth the dust of the desert in what direction it + chooseth. The noble enemy who met and well-nigh mastered my sword cannot + become my slave like him who has crouched beneath it. If wealth and power + would tempt thee to join our people, I could ensure thy possessing them; + but the man who refused the favours of the Soldan when the axe was at his + head, will not, I fear, now accept them, when I tell him he has his free + choice.” + </p> + <p> + “Complete your generosity, noble Emir,” said Sir Kenneth, “by forbearing + to show me a mode of requital which conscience forbids me to comply with. + Permit me rather to express, as bound in courtesy, my gratitude for this + most chivalrous bounty, this undeserved generosity.” + </p> + <p> + “Say not undeserved,” replied the Emir Ilderim. “Was it not through thy + conversation, and thy account of the beauties which grace the court of the + Melech Ric, that I ventured me thither in disguise, and thereby procured a + sight the most blessed that I have ever enjoyed—that I ever shall + enjoy, until the glories of Paradise beam on my eyes?” + </p> + <p> + “I understand you not,” said Sir Kenneth, colouring alternately, and + turning pale, as one who felt that the conversation was taking a tone of + the most painful delicacy. + </p> + <p> + “Not understand me!” exclaimed the Emir. “If the sight I saw in the tent + of King Richard escaped thine observation, I will account it duller than + the edge of a buffoon's wooden falchion. True, thou wert under sentence of + death at the time; but, in my case, had my head been dropping from the + trunk, the last strained glances of my eyeballs had distinguished with + delight such a vision of loveliness, and the head would have rolled itself + towards the incomparable houris, to kiss with its quivering lips the hem + of their vestments. Yonder royalty of England, who for her superior + loveliness deserves to be Queen of the universe—what tenderness in + her blue eye, what lustre in her tresses of dishevelled gold! By the tomb + of the Prophet, I scarce think that the houri who shall present to me the + diamond cup of immortality will deserve so warm a caress!” + </p> + <p> + “Saracen,” said Sir Kenneth sternly, “thou speakest of the wife of Richard + of England, of whom men think not and speak not as a woman to be won, but + as a Queen to be revered.” + </p> + <p> + “I cry you mercy,” said the Saracen. “I had forgotten your superstitious + veneration for the sex, which you consider rather fit to be wondered at + and worshipped than wooed and possessed. I warrant, since thou exactest + such profound respect to yonder tender piece of frailty, whose every + motion, step, and look bespeaks her very woman, less than absolute + adoration must not be yielded to her of the dark tresses and nobly + speaking eye. SHE indeed, I will allow, hath in her noble port and + majestic mien something at once pure and firm; yet even she, when pressed + by opportunity and a forward lover, would, I warrant thee, thank him in + her heart rather for treating her as a mortal than as a goddess.” + </p> + <p> + “Respect the kinswoman of Coeur de Lion!” said Sir Kenneth, in a tone of + unrepressed anger. + </p> + <p> + “Respect her!” answered the Emir in scorn; “by the Caaba, and if I do, it + shall be rather as the bride of Saladin.” + </p> + <p> + “The infidel Soldan is unworthy to salute even a spot that has been + pressed by the foot of Edith Plantagenet!” exclaimed the Christian, + springing from his couch. + </p> + <p> + “Ha! what said the Giaour?” exclaimed the Emir, laying his hand on his + poniard hilt, while his forehead glowed like glancing copper, and the + muscles of his lips and cheeks wrought till each curl of his beard seemed + to twist and screw itself, as if alive with instinctive wrath. But the + Scottish knight, who had stood the lion-anger of Richard, was unappalled + at the tigerlike mood of the chafed Saracen. + </p> + <p> + “What I have said,” continued Sir Kenneth, with folded arms and dauntless + look, “I would, were my hands loose, maintain on foot or horseback against + all mortals; and would hold it not the most memorable deed of my life to + support it with my good broadsword against a score of these sickles and + bodkins,” pointing at the curved sabre and small poniard of the Emir. + </p> + <p> + The Saracen recovered his composure as the Christian spoke, so far as to + withdraw his hand from his weapon, as if the motion had been without + meaning, but still continued in deep ire. + </p> + <p> + “By the sword of the Prophet,” he said, “which is the key both of heaven + and hell, he little values his own life, brother, who uses the language + thou dost! Believe me, that were thine hands loose, as thou term'st it, + one single true believer would find them so much to do that thou wouldst + soon wish them fettered again in manacles of iron.” + </p> + <p> + “Sooner would I wish them hewn off by the shoulder-blades!” replied Sir + Kenneth. + </p> + <p> + “Well. Thy hands are bound at present,” said the Saracen, in a more + amicable tone—“bound by thine own gentle sense of courtesy; nor have + I any present purpose of setting them at liberty. We have proved each + other's strength and courage ere now, and we may again meet in a fair + field—and shame befall him who shall be the first to part from his + foeman! But now we are friends, and I look for aid from thee rather than + hard terms or defiances.” + </p> + <p> + “We ARE friends,” repeated the knight; and there was a pause, during which + the fiery Saracen paced the tent, like the lion, who, after violent + irritation, is said to take that method of cooling the distemperature of + his blood, ere he stretches himself to repose in his den. The colder + European remained unaltered in posture and aspect; yet he, doubtless, was + also engaged in subduing the angry feelings which had been so unexpectedly + awakened. + </p> + <p> + “Let us reason of this calmly,” said the Saracen. “I am a physician, as + thou knowest, and it is written that he who would have his wound cured + must not shrink when the leech probes and tests it. Seest thou, I am about + to lay my finger on the sore. Thou lovest this kinswoman of the Melech + Ric. Unfold the veil that shrouds thy thoughts—or unfold it not if + thou wilt, for mine eyes see through its coverings.” + </p> + <p> + “I LOVED her,” answered Sir Kenneth, after a pause, “as a man loves + Heaven's grace, and sued for her favour like a sinner for Heaven's + pardon.” + </p> + <p> + “And you love her no longer?” said the Saracen. + </p> + <p> + “Alas,” answered Sir Kenneth, “I am no longer worthy to love her. I pray + thee cease this discourse—thy words are poniards to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me but a moment,” continued Ilderim. “When thou, a poor and + obscure soldier, didst so boldly and so highly fix thine affection, tell + me, hadst thou good hope of its issue?” + </p> + <p> + “Love exists not without hope,” replied the knight; “but mine was as + nearly allied to despair as that of the sailor swimming for his life, who, + as he surmounts billow after billow, catches by intervals some gleam of + the distant beacon, which shows him there is land in sight, though his + sinking heart and wearied limbs assure him that he shall never reach it.” + </p> + <p> + “And now,” said Ilderim, “these hopes are sunk—that solitary light + is quenched for ever?” + </p> + <p> + “For ever,” answered Sir Kenneth, in the tone of an echo from the bosom of + a ruined sepulchre. + </p> + <p> + “Methinks,” said the Saracen, “if all thou lackest were some such distant + meteoric glimpse of happiness as thou hadst formerly, thy beacon-light + might be rekindled, thy hope fished up from the ocean in which it has + sunk, and thou thyself, good knight, restored to the exercise and + amusement of nourishing thy fantastic fashion upon a diet as unsubstantial + as moonlight; for, if thou stood'st tomorrow fair in reputation as ever + thou wert, she whom thou lovest will not be less the daughter of princes + and the elected bride of Saladin.” + </p> + <p> + “I would it so stood,” said the Scot, “and if I did not—” + </p> + <p> + He stopped short, like a man who is afraid of boasting under circumstances + which did not permit his being put to the test. The Saracen smiled as he + concluded the sentence. + </p> + <p> + “Thou wouldst challenge the Soldan to single combat?” said he. + </p> + <p> + “And if I did,” said Sir Kenneth haughtily, “Saladin's would neither be + the first nor the best turban that I have couched lance at.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, but methinks the Soldan might regard it as too unequal a mode of + perilling the chance of a royal bride and the event of a great war,” said + the Emir. + </p> + <p> + “He may be met with in the front of battle,” said the knight, his eyes + gleaming with the ideas which such a thought inspired. + </p> + <p> + “He has been ever found there,” said Ilderim; “nor is it his wont to turn + his horse's head from any brave encounter. But it was not of the Soldan + that I meant to speak. In a word, if it will content thee to be placed in + such reputation as may be attained by detection of the thief who stole the + Banner of England, I can put thee in a fair way of achieving this task—that + is, if thou wilt be governed; for what says Lokman, 'If the child would + walk, the nurse must lead him; if the ignorant would understand, the wise + must instruct.'” + </p> + <p> + “And thou art wise, Ilderim,” said the Scot—“wise though a Saracen, + and generous though an infidel. I have witnessed that thou art both. Take, + then, the guidance of this matter; and so thou ask nothing of me contrary + to my loyalty and my Christian faith, I, will obey thee punctually. Do + what thou hast said, and take my life when it is accomplished.” + </p> + <p> + “Listen thou to me, then,” said the Saracen. “Thy noble hound is now + recovered, by the blessing of that divine medicine which healeth man and + beast; and by his sagacity shall those who assailed him be discovered.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha!” said the knight, “methinks I comprehend thee. I was dull not to + think of this!” + </p> + <p> + “But tell me,” added the Emir, “hast thou any followers or retainers in + the camp by whom the animal may be known?” + </p> + <p> + “I dismissed,” said Sir Kenneth, “my old attendant, thy patient, with a + varlet that waited on him, at the time when I expected to suffer death, + giving him letters for my friends in Scotland; there are none other to + whom the dog is familiar. But then my own person is well known—my + very speech will betray me, in a camp where I have played no mean part for + many months.” + </p> + <p> + “Both he and thou shalt be disguised, so as to escape even close + examination. I tell thee,” said the Saracen, “that not thy brother in arms—not + thy brother in blood—shall discover thee, if thou be guided by my + counsels. Thou hast seen me do matters more difficult—he that can + call the dying from the darkness of the shadow of death can easily cast a + mist before the eyes of the living. But mark me: there is still the + condition annexed to this service—that thou deliver a letter of + Saladin to the niece of the Melech Ric, whose name is as difficult to our + Eastern tongue and lips, as her beauty is delightful to our eyes.” + </p> + <p> + Sir Kenneth paused before he answered, and the Saracen observing his + hesitation, demanded of him, “if he feared to undertake this message?” + </p> + <p> + “Not if there were death in the execution,” said Sir Kenneth. “I do but + pause to consider whether it consists with my honour to bear the letter of + the Soldan, or with that of the Lady Edith to receive it from a heathen + prince.” + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0368m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0368m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0368.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + “By the head of Mohammed, and by the honour of a soldier—by the tomb + at Mecca, and by the soul of my father,” said the Emir, “I swear to thee + that the letter is written in all honour and respect. The song of the + nightingale will sooner blight the rose-bower she loves than will the + words of the Soldan offend the ears of the lovely kinswoman of England.” + </p> + <p> + “Then,” said the knight, “I will bear the Soldan's letter faithfully, as + if I were his born vassal—understanding, that beyond this simple act + of service, which I will render with fidelity, from me of all men he can + least expect mediation or advice in this his strange love-suit.” + </p> + <p> + “Saladin is noble,” answered the Emir, “and will not spur a generous horse + to a leap which he cannot achieve. Come with me to my tent,” he added, + “and thou shalt be presently equipped with a disguise as unsearchable as + midnight, so thou mayest walk the camp of the Nazarenes as if thou hadst + on thy finger the signet of Giaougi.” [Perhaps the same with Gyges.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + A grain of dust + Soiling our cup, will make our sense reject + Fastidiously the draught which we did thirst for; + A rusted nail, placed near the faithful compass, + Will sway it from the truth, and wreck the argosy. + Even this small cause of anger and disgust + Will break the bonds of amity 'mongst princes, + And wreck their noblest purposes. + THE CRUSADE. +</pre> + <p> + The reader can now have little doubt who the Ethiopian slave really was, + with what purpose he had sought Richard's camp, and wherefore and with + what hope he now stood close to the person of that Monarch, as, surrounded + by his valiant peers of England and Normandy, Coeur de Lion stood on the + summit of Saint George's Mount, with the Banner of England by his side, + borne by the most goodly person in the army, being his own natural + brother, William with the Long Sword, Earl of Salisbury, the offspring of + Henry the Second's amour with the celebrated Rosamond of Woodstock. + </p> + <p> + From several expressions in the King's conversation with Neville on the + preceding day, the Nubian was left in anxious doubt whether his disguise + had not been penetrated, especially as that the King seemed to be aware in + what manner the agency of the dog was expected to discover the thief who + stole the banner, although the circumstance of such an animal's having + been wounded on the occasion had been scarce mentioned in Richard's + presence. Nevertheless, as the King continued to treat him in no other + manner than his exterior required, the Nubian remained uncertain whether + he was or was not discovered, and determined not to throw his disguise + aside voluntarily. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, the powers of the various Crusading princes, arrayed under + their royal and princely leaders, swept in long order around the base of + the little mound; and as those of each different country passed by, their + commanders advanced a step or two up the hill, and made a signal of + courtesy to Richard and to the Standard of England, “in sign of regard and + amity,” as the protocol of the ceremony heedfully expressed it, “not of + subjection or vassalage.” The spiritual dignitaries, who in those days + veiled not their bonnets to created being, bestowed on the King and his + symbol of command their blessing instead of rendering obeisance. + </p> + <p> + Thus the long files marched on, and, diminished as they were by so many + causes, appeared still an iron host, to whom the conquest of Palestine + might seem an easy task. The soldiers, inspired by the consciousness of + united strength, sat erect in their steel saddles; while it seemed that + the trumpets sounded more cheerfully shrill, and the steeds, refreshed by + rest and provender, chafed on the bit, and trod the ground more proudly. + On they passed, troop after troop, banners waving, spears glancing, plumes + dancing, in long perspective—a host composed of different nations, + complexions, languages, arms, and appearances, but all fired, for the + time, with the holy yet romantic purpose of rescuing the distressed + daughter of Zion from her thraldom, and redeeming the sacred earth, which + more than mortal had trodden, from the yoke of the unbelieving pagan. And + it must be owned that if, in other circumstances, the species of courtesy + rendered to the King of England by so many warriors, from whom he claimed + no natural allegiance, had in it something that might have been thought + humiliating, yet the nature and cause of the war was so fitted to his + pre-eminently chivalrous character and renowned feats in arms, that claims + which might elsewhere have been urged were there forgotten, and the brave + did willing homage to the bravest, in an expedition where the most + undaunted and energetic courage was necessary to success. + </p> + <p> + The good King was seated on horseback about half way up the mount, a + morion on his head, surmounted by a crown, which left his manly features + exposed to public view, as, with cool and considerate eye, he perused each + rank as it passed him, and returned the salutation of the leaders. His + tunic was of sky-coloured velvet, covered with plates of silver, and his + hose of crimson silk, slashed with cloth of gold. By his side stood the + seeming Ethiopian slave, holding the noble dog in a leash, such as was + used in woodcraft. It was a circumstance which attracted no notice, for + many of the princes of the Crusade had introduced black slaves into their + household, in imitation of the barbarous splendour of the Saracens. Over + the King's head streamed the large folds of the banner, and, as he looked + to it from time to time, he seemed to regard a ceremony, indifferent to + himself personally, as important, when considered as atoning an indignity + offered to the kingdom which he ruled. In the background, and on the very + summit of the Mount, a wooden turret, erected for the occasion, held the + Queen Berengaria and the principal ladies of the Court. To this the King + looked from time to time; and then ever and anon his eyes were turned on + the Nubian and the dog, but only when such leaders approached, as, from + circumstances of previous ill-will, he suspected of being accessory to the + theft of the standard, or whom he judged capable of a crime so mean. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0269m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0269m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0269.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + Thus, he did not look in that direction when Philip Augustus of France + approached at the head of his splendid troops of Gallic chivalry—-nay, + he anticipated the motions of the French King, by descending the Mount as + the latter came up the ascent, so that they met in the middle space, and + blended their greetings so gracefully that it appeared they met in + fraternal equality. The sight of the two greatest princes in Europe, in + rank at once and power, thus publicly avowing their concord, called forth + bursts of thundering acclaim from the Crusading host at many miles + distance, and made the roving Arab scouts of the desert alarm the camp of + Saladin with intelligence that the army of the Christians was in motion. + Yet who but the King of kings can read the hearts of monarchs? Under this + smooth show of courtesy, Richard nourished displeasure and suspicion + against Philip, and Philip meditated withdrawing himself and his host from + the army of the Cross, and leaving Richard to accomplish or fail in the + enterprise with his own unassisted forces. + </p> + <p> + Richard's demeanour was different when the dark-armed knights and squires + of the Temple chivalry approached—men with countenances bronzed to + Asiatic blackness by the suns of Palestine, and the admirable state of + whose horses and appointments far surpassed even that of the choicest + troops of France and England. The King cast a hasty glance aside; but the + Nubian stood quiet, and his trusty dog sat at his feet, watching, with a + sagacious yet pleased look, the ranks which now passed before them. The + King's look turned again on the chivalrous Templars, as the Grand Master, + availing himself of his mingled character, bestowed his benediction on + Richard as a priest, instead of doing him reverence as a military leader. + </p> + <p> + “The misproud and amphibious caitiff puts the monk upon me,” said Richard + to the Earl of Salisbury. “But, Longsword, we will let it pass. A + punctilio must not lose Christendom the services of these experienced + lances, because their victories have rendered them overweening. Lo you, + here comes our valiant adversary, the Duke of Austria. Mark his manner and + bearing, Longsword—and thou, Nubian, let the hound have full view of + him. By Heaven, he brings his buffoons along with him!” + </p> + <p> + In fact, whether from habit, or, which is more likely, to intimate + contempt of the ceremonial he was about to comply with, Leopold was + attended by his SPRUCH-SPRECHER and his jester; and as he advanced towards + Richard, he whistled in what he wished to be considered as an indifferent + manner, though his heavy features evinced the sullenness, mixed with the + fear, with which a truant schoolboy may be seen to approach his master. As + the reluctant dignitary made, with discomposed and sulky look, the + obeisance required, the SPRUCH-SPRECHER shook his baton, and proclaimed, + like a herald, that, in what he was now doing, the Archduke of Austria was + not to be held derogating from the rank and privileges of a sovereign + prince; to which the jester answered with a sonorous AMEN, which provoked + much laughter among the bystanders. + </p> + <p> + King Richard looked more than once at the Nubian and his dog; but the + former moved not, nor did the latter strain at the leash, so that Richard + said to the slave with some scorn, “Thy success in this enterprise, my + sable friend, even though thou hast brought thy hound's sagacity to back + thine own, will not, I fear, place thee high in the rank of wizards, or + much augment thy merits towards our person.” + </p> + <p> + The Nubian answered, as usual, only by a lowly obeisance. + </p> + <p> + Meantime the troops of the Marquis of Montserrat next passed in order + before the King of England. That powerful and wily baron, to make the + greater display of his forces, had divided them into two bodies. At the + head of the first, consisting of his vassals and followers, and levied + from his Syrian possessions, came his brother Enguerrand; and he himself + followed, leading on a gallant band of twelve hundred Stradiots, a kind of + light cavalry raised by the Venetians in their Dalmatian possessions, and + of which they had entrusted the command to the Marquis, with whom the + republic had many bonds of connection. These Stradiots were clothed in a + fashion partly European, but partaking chiefly of the Eastern fashion. + They wore, indeed, short hauberks, but had over them party-coloured tunics + of rich stuffs, with large wide pantaloons and half-boots. On their heads + were straight upright caps, similar to those of the Greeks; and they + carried small round targets, bows and arrows, scimitars, and poniards. + They were mounted on horses carefully selected, and well maintained at the + expense of the State of Venice; their saddles and appointments resembled + those of the Turks, and they rode in the same manner, with short stirrups + and upon a high seat. These troops were of great use in skirmishing with + the Arabs, though unable to engage in close combat, like the iron-sheathed + men-at-arms of Western and Northern Europe. + </p> + <p> + Before this goodly band came Conrade, in the same garb with the Stradiots, + but of such rich stuff that he seemed to blaze with gold and silver, and + the milk-white plume fastened in his cap by a clasp of diamonds seemed + tall enough to sweep the clouds. The noble steed which he reined bounded + and caracoled, and displayed his spirit and agility in a manner which + might have troubled a less admirable horseman than the Marquis, who + gracefully ruled him with the one hand, while the other displayed the + baton, whose predominancy over the ranks which he led seemed equally + absolute. Yet his authority over the Stradiots was more in show than in + substance; for there paced beside him, on an ambling palfrey of soberest + mood, a little old man, dressed entirely in black, without beard or + moustaches, and having an appearance altogether mean and insignificant + when compared with the blaze of splendour around him. But this + mean-looking old man was one of those deputies whom the Venetian + government sent into camps to overlook the conduct of the generals to whom + the leading was consigned, and to maintain that jealous system of espial + and control which had long distinguished the policy of the republic. + </p> + <p> + Conrade, who, by cultivating Richard's humour, had attained a certain + degree of favour with him, no sooner was come within his ken than the King + of England descended a step or two to meet him, exclaiming, at the same + time, “Ha, Lord Marquis, thou at the head of the fleet Stradiots, and thy + black shadow attending thee as usual, whether the sun shines or not! May + not one ask thee whether the rule of the troops remains with the shadow or + the substance?” + </p> + <p> + Conrade was commencing his reply with a smile, when Roswal, the noble + hound, uttering a furious and savage yell, sprung forward. The Nubian, at + the same time, slipped the leash, and the hound, rushing on, leapt upon + Conrade's noble charger, and, seizing the Marquis by the throat, pulled + him down from the saddle. The plumed rider lay rolling on the sand, and + the frightened horse fled in wild career through the camp. + </p> + <p> + “Thy hound hath pulled down the right quarry, I warrant him,” said the + King to the Nubian, “and I vow to Saint George he is a stag of ten tynes! + Pluck the dog off; lest he throttle him.” + </p> + <p> + The Ethiopian, accordingly, though not without difficulty, disengaged the + dog from Conrade, and fastened him up, still highly excited, and + struggling in the leash. Meanwhile many crowded to the spot, especially + followers of Conrade and officers of the Stradiots, who, as they saw their + leader lie gazing wildly on the sky, raised him up amid a tumultuary cry + of “Cut the slave and his hound to pieces!” + </p> + <p> + But the voice of Richard, loud and sonorous, was heard clear above all + other exclamations. “He dies the death who injures the hound! He hath but + done his duty, after the sagacity with which God and nature have endowed + the brave animal.—Stand forward for a false traitor, thou Conrade, + Marquis of Montserrat! I impeach thee of treason.” + </p> + <p> + Several of the Syrian leaders had now come up, and Conrade—vexation, + and shame, and confusion struggling with passion in his manner and voice—exclaimed, + “What means this? With what am I charged? Why this base usage and these + reproachful terms? Is this the league of concord which England renewed but + so lately?” + </p> + <p> + “Are the Princes of the Crusade turned hares or deers in the eyes of King + Richard that he should slip hounds on them?” said the sepulchral voice of + the Grand Master of the Templars. + </p> + <p> + “It must be some singular accident—some fatal mistake,” said Philip + of France, who rode up at the same moment. + </p> + <p> + “Some deceit of the Enemy,” said the Archbishop of Tyre. + </p> + <p> + “A stratagem of the Saracens,” cried Henry of Champagne. “It were well to + hang up the dog, and put the slave to the torture.” + </p> + <p> + “Let no man lay hand upon them,” said Richard, “as he loves his own life! + Conrade, stand forth, if thou darest, and deny the accusation which this + mute animal hath in his noble instinct brought against thee, of injury + done to him, and foul scorn to England!” + </p> + <p> + “I never touched the banner,” said Conrade hastily. + </p> + <p> + “Thy words betray thee, Conrade!” said Richard, “for how didst thou know, + save from conscious guilt, that the question is concerning the banner?” + </p> + <p> + “Hast thou then not kept the camp in turmoil on that and no other score?” + answered Conrade; “and dost thou impute to a prince and an ally a crime + which, after all, was probably committed by some paltry felon for the sake + of the gold thread? Or wouldst thou now impeach a confederate on the + credit of a dog?” + </p> + <p> + By this time the alarm was becoming general, so that Philip of France + interposed. + </p> + <p> + “Princes and nobles,” he said, “you speak in presence of those whose + swords will soon be at the throats of each other if they hear their + leaders at such terms together. In the name of Heaven, let us draw off + each his own troops into their separate quarters, and ourselves meet an + hour hence in the Pavilion of Council to take some order in this new state + of confusion.” + </p> + <p> + “Content,” said King Richard, “though I should have liked to have + interrogated that caitiff while his gay doublet was yet besmirched with + sand. But the pleasure of France shall be ours in this matter.” + </p> + <p> + The leaders separated as was proposed, each prince placing himself at the + head of his own forces; and then was heard on all sides the crying of + war-cries and the sounding of gathering-notes upon bugles and trumpets, by + which the different stragglers were summoned to their prince's banner, and + the troops were shortly seen in motion, each taking different routes + through the camp to their own quarters. But although any immediate act of + violence was thus prevented, yet the accident which had taken place dwelt + on every mind; and those foreigners who had that morning hailed Richard as + the worthiest to lead their army, now resumed their prejudices against his + pride and intolerance, while the English, conceiving the honour of their + country connected with the quarrel, of which various reports had gone + about, considered the natives of other countries jealous of the fame of + England and her King, and disposed to undermine it by the meanest arts of + intrigue. Many and various were the rumours spread upon the occasion, and + there was one which averred that the Queen and her ladies had been much + alarmed by the tumult, and that one of them had swooned. + </p> + <p> + The Council assembled at the appointed hour. Conrade had in the meanwhile + laid aside his dishonoured dress, and with it the shame and confusion + which, in spite of his talents and promptitude, had at first overwhelmed + him, owing to the strangeness of the accident and suddenness of the + accusation. He was now robed like a prince; and entered the + council-chamber attended by the Archduke of Austria, the Grand Masters + both of the Temple and of the Order of Saint John, and several other + potentates, who made a show of supporting him and defending his cause, + chiefly perhaps from political motives, or because they themselves + nourished a personal enmity against Richard. + </p> + <p> + This appearance of union in favour of Conrade was far from influencing the + King of England. He entered the Council with his usual indifference of + manner, and in the same dress in which he had just alighted from + horseback. He cast a careless and somewhat scornful glance on the leaders, + who had with studied affectation arranged themselves around Conrade as if + owning his cause, and in the most direct terms charged Conrade of + Montserrat with having stolen the Banner of England, and wounded the + faithful animal who stood in its defence. + </p> + <p> + Conrade arose boldly to answer, and in despite, as he expressed himself, + of man and brute, king or dog, avouched his innocence of the crime + charged. + </p> + <p> + “Brother of England,” said Philip, who willingly assumed the character of + moderator of the assembly, “this is an unusual impeachment. We do not hear + you avouch your own knowledge of this matter, further than your belief + resting upon the demeanour of this hound towards the Marquis of + Montserrat. Surely the word of a knight and a prince should bear him out + against the barking of a cur?” + </p> + <p> + “Royal brother,” returned Richard, “recollect that the Almighty, who gave + the dog to be companion of our pleasures and our toils, hath invested him + with a nature noble and incapable of deceit. He forgets neither friend nor + foe—remembers, and with accuracy, both benefit and injury. He hath a + share of man's intelligence, but no share of man's falsehood. You may + bribe a soldier to slay a man with his sword, or a witness to take life by + false accusation; but you cannot make a hound tear his benefactor. He is + the friend of man, save when man justly incurs his enmity. Dress yonder + marquis in what peacock-robes you will, disguise his appearance, alter his + complexion with drugs and washes, hide him amidst a hundred men,—I + will yet pawn my sceptre that the hound detects him, and expresses his + resentment, as you have this day beheld. This is no new incident, although + a strange one. Murderers and robbers have been ere now convicted, and + suffered death under such evidence, and men have said that the finger of + God was in it. In thine own land, royal brother, and upon such an + occasion, the matter was tried by a solemn duel betwixt the man and the + dog, as appellant and defendant in a challenge of murder. The dog was + victorious, the man was punished, and the crime was confessed. Credit me, + royal brother, that hidden crimes have often been brought to light by the + testimony even of inanimate substances, not to mention animals far + inferior in instinctive sagacity to the dog, who is the friend and + companion of our race.” + </p> + <p> + “Such a duel there hath indeed been, royal brother,” answered Philip, “and + that in the reign of one of our predecessors, to whom God be gracious. But + it was in the olden time, nor can we hold it a precedent fitting for this + occasion. The defendant in that case was a private gentleman of small rank + or respect; his offensive weapons were only a club, his defensive a + leathern jerkin. But we cannot degrade a prince to the disgrace of using + such rude arms, or to the ignominy of such a combat.” + </p> + <p> + “I never meant that you should,” said King Richard; “it were foul play to + hazard the good hound's life against that of such a double-faced traitor + as this Conrade hath proved himself. But there lies our own glove; we + appeal him to the combat in respect of the evidence we brought forth + against him. A king, at least, is more than the mate of a marquis.” + </p> + <p> + Conrade made no hasty effort to seize on the pledge which Richard cast + into the middle of the assembly, and King Philip had time to reply ere the + marquis made a motion to lift the glove. + </p> + <p> + “A king,” said he of France, “is as much more than a match for the Marquis + Conrade as a dog would be less. Royal Richard, this cannot be permitted. + You are the leader of our expedition—the sword and buckler of + Christendom.” + </p> + <p> + “I protest against such a combat,” said the Venetian proveditore, “until + the King of England shall have repaid the fifty thousand byzants which he + is indebted to the republic. It is enough to be threatened with loss of + our debt, should our debtor fall by the hands of the pagans, without the + additional risk of his being slain in brawls amongst Christians concerning + dogs and banners.” + </p> + <p> + “And I,” said William with the Long Sword, Earl of Salisbury, “protest in + my turn against my royal brother perilling his life, which is the property + of the people of England, in such a cause. Here, noble brother, receive + back your glove, and think only as if the wind had blown it from your + hand. Mine shall lie in its stead. A king's son, though with the bar + sinister on his shield, is at least a match for this marmoset of a + marquis.” + </p> + <p> + “Princes and nobles,” said Conrade, “I will not accept of King Richard's + defiance. He hath been chosen our leader against the Saracens, and if his + conscience can answer the accusation of provoking an ally to the field on + a quarrel so frivolous, mine, at least, cannot endure the reproach of + accepting it. But touching his bastard brother, William of Woodstock, or + against any other who shall adopt or shall dare to stand godfather to this + most false charge, I will defend my honour in the lists, and prove + whosoever impeaches it a false liar.” + </p> + <p> + “The Marquis of Montserrat,” said the Archbishop of Tyre, “hath spoken + like a wise and moderate gentleman; and methinks this controversy might, + without dishonour to any party, end at this point.” + </p> + <p> + “Methinks it might so terminate,” said the King of France, “provided King + Richard will recall his accusation as made upon over-slight grounds.” + </p> + <p> + “Philip of France,” answered Coeur de Lion, “my words shall never do my + thoughts so much injury. I have charged yonder Conrade as a thief, who, + under cloud of night, stole from its place the emblem of England's + dignity. I still believe and charge him to be such; and when a day is + appointed for the combat, doubt not that, since Conrade declines to meet + us in person, I will find a champion to appear in support of my challenge—for + thou, William, must not thrust thy long sword into this quarrel without + our special license.” + </p> + <p> + “Since my rank makes me arbiter in this most unhappy matter,” said Philip + of France, “I appoint the fifth day from hence for the decision thereof, + by way of combat, according to knightly usage—Richard, King of + England, to appear by his champion as appellant, and Conrade, Marquis of + Montserrat, in his own person, as defendant. Yet I own I know not where to + find neutral ground where such a quarrel may be fought out; for it must + not be in the neighbourhood of this camp, where the soldiers would make + faction on the different sides.” + </p> + <p> + “It were well,” said Richard, “to apply to the generosity of the royal + Saladin, since, heathen as he is, I have never known knight more fulfilled + of nobleness, or to whose good faith we may so peremptorily entrust + ourselves. I speak thus for those who may be doubtful of mishap; for + myself, wherever I see my foe, I make that spot my battle-ground.” + </p> + <p> + “Be it so,” said Philip; “we will make this matter known to Saladin, + although it be showing to an enemy the unhappy spirit of discord which we + would willingly hide from even ourselves, were it possible. Meanwhile, I + dismiss this assembly, and charge you all, as Christian men and noble + knights, that ye let this unhappy feud breed no further brawling in the + camp, but regard it as a thing solemnly referred to the judgment of God, + to whom each of you should pray that He will dispose of victory in the + combat according to the truth of the quarrel; and therewith may His will + be done!” + </p> + <p> + “Amen, amen!” was answered on all sides; while the Templar whispered the + Marquis, “Conrade, wilt thou not add a petition to be delivered from the + power of the dog, as the Psalmist hath it?” + </p> + <p> + “Peace, thou—!” replied the Marquis; “there is a revealing demon + abroad which may report, amongst other tidings, how far thou dost carry + the motto of thy order—'FERIATUR LEO'.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou wilt stand the brunt of challenge?” said the Templar. + </p> + <p> + “Doubt me not,” said Conrade. “I would not, indeed, have willingly met the + iron arm of Richard himself, and I shame not to confess that I rejoice to + be free of his encounter; but, from his bastard brother downward, the man + breathes not in his ranks whom I fear to meet.” + </p> + <p> + “It is well you are so confident,” continued the Templar; “and, in that + case, the fangs of yonder hound have done more to dissolve this league of + princes than either thy devices or the dagger of the Charegite. Seest thou + how, under a brow studiously overclouded, Philip cannot conceal the + satisfaction which he feels at the prospect of release from the alliance + which sat so heavy on him? Mark how Henry of Champagne smiles to himself, + like a sparkling goblet of his own wine; and see the chuckling delight of + Austria, who thinks his quarrel is about to be avenged without risk or + trouble of his own. Hush! he approaches.—A most grievous chance, + most royal Austria, that these breaches in the walls of our Zion—” + </p> + <p> + “If thou meanest this Crusade,” replied the Duke, “I would it were + crumbled to pieces, and each were safe at home! I speak this in + confidence.” + </p> + <p> + “But,” said the Marquis of Montserrat, “to think this disunion should be + made by the hands of King Richard, for whose pleasure we have been + contented to endure so much, and to whom we have been as submissive as + slaves to a master, in hopes that he would use his valour against our + enemies, instead of exercising it upon our friends!” + </p> + <p> + “I see not that he is so much more valorous than others,” said the + Archduke. “I believe, had the noble Marquis met him in the lists, he would + have had the better; for though the islander deals heavy blows with the + pole-axe, he is not so very dexterous with the lance. I should have cared + little to have met him myself on our old quarrel, had the weal of + Christendom permitted to sovereign princes to breathe themselves in the + lists; and if thou desirest it, noble Marquis, I will myself be your + godfather in this combat.” + </p> + <p> + “And I also,” said the Grand Master. + </p> + <p> + “Come, then, and take your nooning in our tent, noble sirs,” said the + Duke, “and we'll speak of this business over some right NIERENSTEIN.” + </p> + <p> + They entered together accordingly. + </p> + <p> + “What said our patron and these great folks together?” said Jonas + Schwanker to his companion, the SPRUCH-SPRECHER, who had used the freedom + to press nigh to his master when the Council was dismissed, while the + jester waited at a more respectful distance. + </p> + <p> + “Servant of Folly,” said the SPRUCH-SPRECHER, “moderate thy curiosity; it + beseems not that I should tell to thee the counsels of our master.” + </p> + <p> + “Man of wisdom, you mistake,” answered Jonas. “We are both the constant + attendants on our patron, and it concerns us alike to know whether thou or + I—Wisdom or Folly—have the deeper interest in him.” + </p> + <p> + “He told to the Marquis,” answered the SPRUCH-SPRECHER, “and to the Grand + Master, that he was aweary of these wars, and would be glad he was safe at + home.” + </p> + <p> + “That is a drawn cast, and counts for nothing in the game,” said the + jester; “it was most wise to think thus, but great folly to tell it to + others—proceed.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha, hem!” said the SPRUCH-SPRECHER; “he next said to them that Richard + was not more valorous than others, or over-dexterous in the tilt-yard.” + </p> + <p> + “Woodcock of my side,” said Schwanker, “this was egregious folly. What + next?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, I am something oblivious,” replied the man of wisdom—“he + invited them to a goblet of NIERENSTEIN.” + </p> + <p> + “That hath a show of wisdom in it,” said Jonas. “Thou mayest mark it to + thy credit in the meantime; but an he drink too much, as is most likely, I + will have it pass to mine. Anything more?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing worth memory,” answered the orator; “only he wished he had taken + the occasion to meet Richard in the lists.” + </p> + <p> + “Out upon it—out upon it!” said Jonas; “this is such dotage of folly + that I am well-nigh ashamed of winning the game by it. Ne'ertheless, fool + as he is, we will follow him, most sage SPRUCH-SPRECHER, and have our + share of the wine of NIERENSTEIN.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Yet this inconstancy is such, + As thou, too, shalt adore; + I could not love thee, love so much, + Loved I not honour more. + MONTROSE'S LINES. +</pre> + <p> + When King Richard returned to his tent, he commanded the Nubian to be + brought before him. He entered with his usual ceremonial reverence, and + having prostrated himself, remained standing before the King in the + attitude of a slave awaiting the orders of his master. It was perhaps well + for him that the preservation of his character required his eyes to be + fixed on the ground, since the keen glance with which Richard for some + time surveyed him in silence would, if fully encountered, have been + difficult to sustain. + </p> + <p> + “Thou canst well of woodcraft,” said the King, after a pause, “and hast + started thy game and brought him to bay as ably as if Tristrem himself had + taught thee. [A universal tradition ascribed to Sir Tristrem, famous for + his love of the fair Queen Yseult, the laws concerning the practice of + woodcraft, or VENERIE, as it was called, being those that related to the + rules of the chase, which were deemed of much consequence during the + Middle Ages.] But this is not all—he must be brought down at force. + I myself would have liked to have levelled my hunting-spear at him. There + are, it seems, respects which prevent this. Thou art about to return to + the camp of the Soldan, bearing a letter, requiring of his courtesy to + appoint neutral ground for the deed of chivalry, and should it consist + with his pleasure, to concur with us in witnessing it. Now, speaking + conjecturally, we think thou mightst find in that camp some cavalier who, + for the love of truth and his own augmentation of honour, will do battle + with this same traitor of Montserrat.” + </p> + <p> + The Nubian raised his eyes and fixed them on the King with a look of eager + ardour; then raised them to Heaven with such solemn gratitude that the + water soon glistened in them; then bent his head, as affirming what + Richard desired, and resumed his usual posture of submissive attention. + </p> + <p> + “It is well,” said the King; “and I see thy desire to oblige me in this + matter. And herein, I must needs say, lies the excellence of such a + servant as thou, who hast not speech either to debate our purpose or to + require explanation of what we have determined. An English serving man in + thy place had given me his dogged advice to trust the combat with some + good lance of my household, who, from my brother Longsword downwards, are + all on fire to do battle in my cause; and a chattering Frenchman had made + a thousand attempts to discover wherefore I look for a champion from the + camp of the infidels. But thou, my silent agent, canst do mine errand + without questioning or comprehending it; with thee to hear is to obey.” + </p> + <p> + A bend of the body and a genuflection were the appropriate answer of the + Ethiopian to these observations. + </p> + <p> + “And now to another point,” said the King, and speaking suddenly and + rapidly—“have you yet seen Edith Plantagenet?” + </p> + <p> + The mute looked up as in the act of being about to speak—nay, his + lips had begun to utter a distinct negative—when the abortive + attempt died away in the imperfect murmurs of the dumb. + </p> + <p> + “Why, lo you there!” said the King, “the very sound of the name of a royal + maiden of beauty so surpassing as that of our lovely cousin seems to have + power enough well-nigh to make the dumb speak. What miracles then might + her eye work upon such a subject! I will make the experiment, friend + slave. Thou shalt see this choice beauty of our Court, and do the errand + of the princely Soldan.” + </p> + <p> + Again a joyful glance—again a genuflection—but, as he arose, + the King laid his hand heavily on his shoulder, and proceeded with stern + gravity thus: “Let me in one thing warn you, my sable envoy. Even if thou + shouldst feel that the kindly influence of her whom thou art soon to + behold should loosen the bonds of thy tongue, presently imprisoned, as the + good Soldan expresses it, within the ivory walls of its castle, beware how + thou changest thy taciturn character, or speakest a word in her presence, + even if thy powers of utterance were to be miraculously restored. Believe + me that I should have thy tongue extracted by the roots, and its ivory + palace—that is, I presume, its range of teeth—drawn out one by + one. Wherefore, be wise and silent still.” + </p> + <p> + The Nubian, so soon as the King had removed his heavy grasp from his + shoulder, bent his head, and laid his hand on his lips, in token of silent + obedience. + </p> + <p> + But Richard again laid his hand on him more gently, and added, “This + behest we lay on thee as on a slave. Wert thou knight and gentleman, we + would require thine honour in pledge of thy silence, which is one especial + condition of our present trust.” + </p> + <p> + The Ethiopian raised his body proudly, looked full at the King, and laid + his right hand on his heart. + </p> + <p> + Richard then summoned his chamberlain. + </p> + <p> + “Go, Neville,” he said, “with this slave to the tent of our royal consort, + and say it is our pleasure that he have an audience—a private + audience—of our cousin Edith. He is charged with a commission to + her. Thou canst show him the way also, in case he requires thy guidance, + though thou mayst have observed it is wonderful how familiar he already + seems to be with the purlieus of our camp.—And thou, too, friend + Ethiop,” the King continued, “what thou dost do quickly, and return hither + within the half-hour.” + </p> + <p> + “I stand discovered,” thought the seeming Nubian, as, with downcast looks + and folded arms, he followed the hasty stride of Neville towards the tent + of Queen Berengaria—“I stand undoubtedly discovered and unfolded to + King Richard; yet I cannot perceive that his resentment is hot against me. + If I understand his words—and surely it is impossible to + misinterpret them—he gives me a noble chance of redeeming my honour + upon the crest of this false Marquis, whose guilt I read in his craven eye + and quivering lip when the charge was made against him.—Roswal, + faithfully hast thou served thy master, and most dearly shall thy wrong be + avenged!—But what is the meaning of my present permission to look + upon her whom I had despaired ever to see again? And why, or how, can the + royal Plantagenet consent that I should see his divine kinswoman, either + as the messenger of the heathen Saladin, or as the guilty exile whom he so + lately expelled from his camp—his audacious avowal of the affection + which is his pride being the greatest enhancement of his guilt? That + Richard should consent to her receiving a letter from an infidel lover by + the hands of one of such disproportioned rank are either of them + circumstances equally incredible, and, at the same time, inconsistent with + each other. But Richard, when unmoved by his heady passions, is liberal, + generous, and truly noble; and as such I will deal with him, and act + according to his instructions, direct or implied, seeking to know no more + than may gradually unfold itself without my officious inquiry. To him who + has given me so brave an opportunity to vindicate my tarnished honour, I + owe acquiescence and obedience; and painful as it may be, the debt shall + be paid. And yet”—thus the proud swelling of his heart further + suggested—“Coeur de Lion, as he is called, might have measured the + feelings of others by his own. I urge an address to his kinswoman! I, who + never spoke word to her when I took a royal prize from her hand—when + I was accounted not the lowest in feats of chivalry among the defenders of + the Cross! I approach her when in a base disguise, and in a servile habit—and, + alas! when my actual condition is that of a slave, with a spot of + dishonour on that which was once my shield! I do this! He little knows me. + Yet I thank him for the opportunity which may make us all better + acquainted with each other.” + </p> + <p> + As he arrived at this conclusion, they paused before the entrance of the + Queen's pavilion. + </p> + <p> + They were of course admitted by the guards, and Neville, leaving the + Nubian in a small apartment, or antechamber, which was but too well + remembered by him, passed into that which was used as the Queen's + presence-chamber. He communicated his royal master's pleasure in a low and + respectful tone of voice, very different from the bluntness of Thomas de + Vaux, to whom Richard was everything and the rest of the Court, including + Berengaria herself, was nothing. A burst of laughter followed the + communication of his errand. + </p> + <p> + “And what like is the Nubian slave who comes ambassador on such an errand + from the Soldan?—a negro, De Neville, is he not?” said a female + voice, easily recognized for that of Berengaria. “A negro, is he not, De + Neville, with black skin, a head curled like a ram's, a flat nose, and + blubber lips—ha, worthy Sir Henry?” + </p> + <p> + “Let not your Grace forget the shin-bones,” said another voice, “bent + outwards like the edge of a Saracen scimitar.” + </p> + <p> + “Rather like the bow of a Cupid, since he comes upon a lover's errand,” + said the Queen.—“Gentle Neville, thou art ever prompt to pleasure us + poor women, who have so little to pass away our idle moments. We must see + this messenger of love. Turks and Moors have I seen many, but negro + never.” + </p> + <p> + “I am created to obey your Grace's commands, so you will bear me out with + my Sovereign for doing so,” answered the debonair knight. “Yet, let me + assure your Grace you will see something different from what you expect.” + </p> + <p> + “So much the better—uglier yet than our imaginations can fancy, yet + the chosen love-messenger of this gallant Soldan!” + </p> + <p> + “Gracious madam,” said the Lady Calista, “may I implore you would permit + the good knight to carry this messenger straight to the Lady Edith, to + whom his credentials are addressed? We have already escaped hardly for + such a frolic.” + </p> + <p> + “Escaped?” repeated the Queen scornfully. “Yet thou mayest be right, + Calista, in thy caution. Let this Nubian, as thou callest him, first do + his errand to our cousin—besides, he is mute too, is he not?” + </p> + <p> + “He is, gracious madam,” answered the knight. + </p> + <p> + “Royal sport have these Eastern ladies,” said Berengaria, “attended by + those before whom they may say anything, yet who can report nothing. + Whereas in our camp, as the Prelate of Saint Jude's is wont to say, a bird + of the air will carry the matter.” + </p> + <p> + “Because,” said De Neville, “your Grace forgets that you speak within + canvas walls.” + </p> + <p> + The voices sunk on this observation, and after a little whispering, the + English knight again returned to the Ethiopian, and made him a sign to + follow. He did so, and Neville conducted him to a pavilion, pitched + somewhat apart from that of the Queen, for the accommodation, it seemed, + of the Lady Edith and her attendants. One of her Coptic maidens received + the message communicated by Sir Henry Neville, and in the space of a very + few minutes the Nubian was ushered into Edith's presence, while Neville + was left on the outside of the tent. The slave who introduced him withdrew + on a signal from her mistress, and it was with humiliation, not of the + posture only but of the very inmost soul, that the unfortunate knight, + thus strangely disguised, threw himself on one knee, with looks bent on + the ground and arms folded on his bosom, like a criminal who expects his + doom. Edith was clad in the same manner as when she received King Richard, + her long, transparent dark veil hanging around her like the shade of a + summer night on a beautiful landscape, disguising and rendering obscure + the beauties which it could not hide. She held in her hand a silver lamp, + fed with some aromatic spirit, which burned with unusual brightness. + </p> + <p> + When Edith came within a step of the kneeling and motionless slave, she + held the light towards his face, as if to peruse his features more + attentively, then turned from him, and placed her lamp so as to throw the + shadow of his face in profile upon the curtain which hung beside. She at + length spoke in a voice composed, yet deeply sorrowful, + </p> + <p> + “Is it you? It is indeed you, brave Knight of the Leopard—gallant + Sir Kenneth of Scotland; is it indeed you?—thus servilely disguised—thus + surrounded by a hundred dangers.” + </p> + <p> + At hearing the tones of his lady's voice thus unexpectedly addressed to + him, and in a tone of compassion approaching to tenderness, a + corresponding reply rushed to the knight's lips, and scarce could + Richard's commands and his own promised silence prevent his answering that + the sight he saw, the sounds he just heard, were sufficient to recompense + the slavery of a life, and dangers which threatened that life every hour. + He did recollect himself, however, and a deep and impassioned sigh was his + only reply to the high-born Edith's question. + </p> + <p> + “I see—I know I have guessed right,” continued Edith. “I marked you + from your first appearance near the platform on which I stood with the + Queen. I knew, too, your valiant hound. She is no true lady, and is + unworthy of the service of such a knight as thou art, from whom disguises + of dress or hue could conceal a faithful servant. Speak, then, without + fear to Edith Plantagenet. She knows how to grace in adversity the good + knight who served, honoured, and did deeds of arms in her name, when + fortune befriended him.—Still silent! Is it fear or shame that keeps + thee so! Fear should be unknown to thee; and for shame, let it remain with + those who have wronged thee.” + </p> + <p> + The knight, in despair at being obliged to play the mute in an interview + so interesting, could only express his mortification by sighing deeply, + and laying his finger upon his lips. Edith stepped back, as if somewhat + displeased. + </p> + <p> + “What!” she said, “the Asiatic mute in very deed, as well as in attire? + This I looked not for. Or thou mayest scorn me, perhaps, for thus boldly + acknowledging that I have heedfully observed the homage thou hast paid me? + Hold no unworthy thoughts of Edith on that account. She knows well the + bounds which reserve and modesty prescribe to high-born maidens, and she + knows when and how far they should give place to gratitude—to a + sincere desire that it were in her power to repay services and repair + injuries arising from the devotion which a good knight bore towards her. + Why fold thy hands together, and wring them with so much passion? Can it + be,” she added, shrinking back at the idea, “that their cruelty has + actually deprived thee of speech? Thou shakest thy head. Be it a spell—be + it obstinacy, I question thee no further, but leave thee to do thine + errand after thine own fashion. I also can be mute.” + </p> + <p> + The disguised knight made an action as if at once lamenting his own + condition and deprecating her displeasure, while at the same time he + presented to her, wrapped, as usual, in fine silk and cloth of gold, the + letter of the Soldan. She took it, surveyed it carelessly, then laid it + aside, and bending her eyes once more on the knight, she said in a low + tone, “Not even a word to do thine errand to me?” + </p> + <p> + He pressed both his hands to his brow, as if to intimate the pain which he + felt at being unable to obey her; but she turned from him in anger. + </p> + <p> + “Begone!” she said. “I have spoken enough—too much—to one who + will not waste on me a word in reply. Begone!—and say, if I have + wronged thee, I have done penance; for if I have been the unhappy means of + dragging thee down from a station of honour, I have, in this interview, + forgotten my own worth, and lowered myself in thy eyes and in my own.” + </p> + <p> + She covered her eyes with her hands, and seemed deeply agitated. Sir + Kenneth would have approached, but she waved him back. + </p> + <p> + “Stand off! thou whose soul Heaven hath suited to its new station! Aught + less dull and fearful than a slavish mute had spoken a word of gratitude, + were it but to reconcile me to my own degradation. Why pause you?—begone!” + </p> + <p> + The disguised knight almost involuntarily looked towards the letter as an + apology for protracting his stay. She snatched it up, saying in a tone of + irony and contempt, “I had forgotten—the dutiful slave waits an + answer to his message. How's this—from the Soldan!” + </p> + <p> + She hastily ran over the contents, which were expressed both in Arabic and + French, and when she had done, she laughed in bitter anger. + </p> + <p> + “Now this passes imagination!” she said; “no jongleur can show so deft a + transmutation! His legerdemain can transform zechins and byzants into + doits and maravedis; but can his art convert a Christian knight, ever + esteemed among the bravest of the Holy Crusade, into the dust-kissing + slave of a heathen Soldan—the bearer of a paynim's insolent + proposals to a Christian maiden—nay, forgetting the laws of + honourable chivalry, as well as of religion? But it avails not talking to + the willing slave of a heathen hound. Tell your master, when his scourge + shall have found thee a tongue, that which thou hast seen me do”—so + saying, she threw the Soldan's letter on the ground, and placed her foot + upon it—“and say to him, that Edith Plantagenet scorns the homage of + an unchristened pagan.” + </p> + <p> + With these words she was about to shoot from the knight, when, kneeling at + her feet in bitter agony, he ventured to lay his hand upon her robe and + oppose her departure. + </p> + <p> + “Heard'st thou not what I said, dull slave?” she said, turning short round + on him, and speaking with emphasis. “Tell the heathen Soldan, thy master, + that I scorn his suit as much as I despise the prostration of a worthless + renegade to religion and chivalry—to God and to his lady!” + </p> + <p> + So saying, she burst from him, tore her garment from his grasp, and left + the tent. + </p> + <p> + The voice of Neville, at the same time, summoned him from without. + Exhausted and stupefied by the distress he had undergone during this + interview, from which he could only have extricated himself by breach of + the engagement which he had formed with King Richard, the unfortunate + knight staggered rather than walked after the English baron, till they + reached the royal pavilion, before which a party of horsemen had just + dismounted. There were light and motion within the tent, and when Neville + entered with his disguised attendant, they found the King, with several of + his nobility, engaged in welcoming those who were newly arrived. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “The tears I shed must ever fall. + I weep not for an absent swain; + For time may happier hours recall, + And parted lovers meet again. + + “I weep not for the silent dead. + Their pains are past, their sorrows o'er; + And those that loved their steps must tread, + When death shall join to part no more.” + + But worse than absence, worse than death, + She wept her lover's sullied fame, + And, fired with all the pride of birth, + She wept a soldier's injured name. + BALLAD. +</pre> + <p> + The frank and bold voice of Richard was heard in joyous gratulation. + </p> + <p> + “Thomas de Vaux! stout Tom of the Gills! by the head of King Henry, thou + art welcome to me as ever was flask of wine to a jolly toper! I should + scarce have known how to order my battle-array, unless I had thy bulky + form in mine eye as a landmark to form my ranks upon. We shall have blows + anon, Thomas, if the saints be gracious to us; and had we fought in thine + absence, I would have looked to hear of thy being found hanging upon an + elder-tree.” + </p> + <p> + “I should have borne my disappointment with more Christian patience, I + trust,” said Thomas de Vaux, “than to have died the death of an apostate. + But I thank your Grace for my welcome, which is the more generous, as it + respects a banquet of blows, of which, saving your pleasure, you are ever + too apt to engross the larger share. But here have I brought one to whom + your Grace will, I know, give a yet warmer welcome.” + </p> + <p> + The person who now stepped forward to make obeisance to Richard was a + young man of low stature and slight form. His dress was as modest as his + figure was unimpressive; but he bore on his bonnet a gold buckle, with a + gem, the lustre of which could only be rivalled by the brilliancy of the + eye which the bonnet shaded. It was the only striking feature in his + countenance; but when once noticed, it ever made a strong impression on + the spectator. About his neck there hung in a scarf of sky-blue silk a + WREST as it was called—that is, the key with which a harp is tuned, + and which was of solid gold. + </p> + <p> + This personage would have kneeled reverently to Richard, but the Monarch + raised him in joyful haste, pressed him to his bosom warmly, and kissed + him on either side of the face. + </p> + <p> + “Blondel de Nesle!” he exclaimed joyfully—“welcome from Cyprus, my + king of minstrels!—welcome to the King of England, who rates not his + own dignity more highly than he does thine. I have been sick, man, and, by + my soul, I believe it was for lack of thee; for, were I half way to the + gate of heaven, methinks thy strains could call me back. And what news, my + gentle master, from the land of the lyre? Anything fresh from the + TROUVEURS of Provence? Anything from the minstrels of merry Normandy? + Above all, hast thou thyself been busy? But I need not ask thee—thou + canst not be idle if thou wouldst; thy noble qualities are like a fire + burning within, and compel thee to pour thyself out in music and song.” + </p> + <p> + “Something I have learned, and something I have done, noble King,” + answered the celebrated Blondel, with a retiring modesty which all + Richard's enthusiastic admiration of his skill had been unable to banish. + </p> + <p> + “We will hear thee, man—we will hear thee instantly,” said the King. + Then, touching Blondel's shoulder kindly, he added, “That is, if thou art + not fatigued with thy journey; for I would sooner ride my best horse to + death than injure a note of thy voice.” + </p> + <p> + “My voice is, as ever, at the service of my royal patron,” said Blondel; + “but your Majesty,” he added, looking at some papers on the table, “seems + more importantly engaged, and the hour waxes late.” + </p> + <p> + “Not a whit, man, not a whit, my dearest Blondel. I did but sketch an + array of battle against the Saracens, a thing of a moment, almost as soon + done as the routing of them.” + </p> + <p> + “Methinks, however,” said Thomas de Vaux, “it were not unfit to inquire + what soldiers your Grace hath to array. I bring reports on that subject + from Ascalon.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou art a mule, Thomas,” said the King—“a very mule for dullness + and obstinacy! Come, nobles—a hall—a hall—range ye + around him! Give Blondel the tabouret. Where is his harp-bearer?—or, + soft, lend him my harp, his own may be damaged by the journey.” + </p> + <p> + “I would your Grace would take my report,” said Thomas de Vaux. “I have + ridden far, and have more list to my bed than to have my ears tickled.” + </p> + <p> + “THY ears tickled!” said the King; “that must be with a woodcock's + feather, and not with sweet sounds. Hark thee, Thomas, do thine ears know + the singing of Blondel from the braying of an ass?” + </p> + <p> + “In faith, my liege,” replied Thomas, “I cannot well say; but setting + Blondel out of the question, who is a born gentleman, and doubtless of + high acquirements, I shall never, for the sake of your Grace's question, + look on a minstrel but I shall think upon an ass.” + </p> + <p> + “And might not your manners,” said Richard, “have excepted me, who am a + gentleman born as well as Blondel, and, like him, a guild-brother of the + joyeuse science?” + </p> + <p> + “Your Grace should remember,” said De Vaux, smiling, “that 'tis useless + asking for manners from a mule.” + </p> + <p> + “Most truly spoken,” said the King; “and an ill-conditioned animal thou + art. But come hither, master mule, and be unloaded, that thou mayest get + thee to thy litter, without any music being wasted on thee. Meantime do + thou, good brother of Salisbury, go to our consort's tent, and tell her + that Blondel has arrived, with his budget fraught with the newest + minstrelsy. Bid her come hither instantly, and do thou escort her, and see + that our cousin, Edith Plantagenet, remain not behind.” + </p> + <p> + His eye then rested for a moment on the Nubian, with that expression of + doubtful meaning which his countenance usually displayed when he looked at + him. + </p> + <p> + “Ha, our silent and secret messenger returned?—Stand up, slave, + behind the back of De Neville, and thou shalt hear presently sounds which + will make thee bless God that He afflicted thee rather with dumbness than + deafness.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, he turned from the rest of the company towards De Vaux, and + plunged instantly into the military details which that baron laid before + him. + </p> + <p> + About the time that the Lord of Gilsland had finished his audience, a + messenger announced that the Queen and her attendants were approaching the + royal tent.—“A flask of wine, ho!” said the King; “of old King + Isaac's long-saved Cyprus, which we won when we stormed Famagosta. Fill to + the stout Lord of Gilsland, gentles—a more careful and faithful + servant never had any prince.” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad,” said Thomas de Vaux, “that your Grace finds the mule a useful + slave, though his voice be less musical than horse-hair or wire.” + </p> + <p> + “What, thou canst not yet digest that quip of the mule?” said Richard. + “Wash it down with a brimming flagon, man, or thou wilt choke upon it. + Why, so—well pulled!—and now I will tell thee, thou art a + soldier as well as I, and we must brook each other's jests in the hall as + each other's blows in the tourney, and love each other the harder we hit. + By my faith, if thou didst not hit me as hard as I did thee in our late + encounter! thou gavest all thy wit to the thrust. But here lies the + difference betwixt thee and Blondel. Thou art but my comrade—I might + say my pupil—in the art of war; Blondel is my master in the science + of minstrelsy and music. To thee I permit the freedom of intimacy; to him + I must do reverence, as to my superior in his art. Come, man, be not + peevish, but remain and hear our glee.” + </p> + <p> + “To see your Majesty in such cheerful mood,” said the Lord of Gilsland, + “by my faith, I could remain till Blondel had achieved the great romance + of King Arthur, which lasts for three days.” + </p> + <p> + “We will not tax your patience so deeply,” said the King. “But see, yonder + glare of torches without shows that our consort approaches. Away to + receive her, man, and win thyself grace in the brightest eyes of + Christendom. Nay, never stop to adjust thy cloak. See, thou hast let + Neville come between the wind and the sails of thy galley.” + </p> + <p> + “He was never before me in the field of battle,” said De Vaux, not greatly + pleased to see himself anticipated by the more active service of the + chamberlain. + </p> + <p> + “No, neither he nor any one went before thee there, my good Tom of the + Gills,” said the King, “unless it was ourself, now and then.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, my liege,” said De Vaux, “and let us do justice to the unfortunate. + The unhappy Knight of the Leopard hath been before me too, at a season; + for, look you, he weighs less on horseback, and so—” + </p> + <p> + “Hush!” said the King, interrupting him in a peremptory tone, “not a word + of him,” and instantly stepped forward to greet his royal consort; and + when he had done so, he presented to her Blondel, as king of minstrelsy + and his master in the gay science. Berengaria, who well knew that her + royal husband's passion for poetry and music almost equalled his appetite + for warlike fame, and that Blondel was his especial favourite, took + anxious care to receive him with all the flattering distinctions due to + one whom the King delighted to honour. Yet it was evident that, though + Blondel made suitable returns to the compliments showered on him something + too abundantly by the royal beauty, he owned with deeper reverence and + more humble gratitude the simple and graceful welcome of Edith, whose + kindly greeting appeared to him, perhaps, sincere in proportion to its + brevity and simplicity. + </p> + <p> + Both the Queen and her royal husband were aware of this distinction, and + Richard, seeing his consort somewhat piqued at the preference assigned to + his cousin, by which perhaps he himself did not feel much gratified, said + in the hearing of both, “We minstrels, Berengaria, as thou mayest see by + the bearing of our master Blondel, pay more reverence to a severe judge + like our kinswoman than to a kindly, partial friend like thyself, who is + willing to take our worth upon trust.” + </p> + <p> + Edith was moved by this sarcasm of her royal kinsman, and hesitated not to + reply that, “To be a harsh and severe judge was not an attribute proper to + her alone of all the Plantagenets.” + </p> + <p> + She had perhaps said more, having some touch of the temper of that house, + which, deriving their name and cognizance from the lowly broom (PLANTA + GENISTA), assumed as an emblem of humility, were perhaps one of the + proudest families that ever ruled in England; but her eye, when kindling + in her reply, suddenly caught those of the Nubian, although he endeavoured + to conceal himself behind the nobles who were present, and she sunk upon a + seat, turning so pale that Queen Berengaria deemed herself obliged to call + for water and essences, and to go through the other ceremonies appropriate + to a lady's swoon. Richard, who better estimated Edith's strength of mind, + called to Blondel to assume his seat and commence his lay, declaring that + minstrelsy was worth every other recipe to recall a Plantagenet to life. + “Sing us,” he said, “that song of the Bloody Vest, of which thou didst + formerly give me the argument ere I left Cyprus. Thou must be perfect in + it by this time, or, as our yeomen say, thy bow is broken.” + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0401m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0401m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0401.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + The anxious eye of the minstrel, however, dwelt on Edith, and it was not + till he observed her returning colour that he obeyed the repeated commands + of the King. Then, accompanying his voice with the harp, so as to grace, + but yet not drown, the sense of what he sung, he chanted in a sort of + recitative one of those ancient adventures of love and knighthood which + were wont of yore to win the public attention. So soon as he began to + prelude, the insignificance of his personal appearance seemed to + disappear, and his countenance glowed with energy and inspiration. His + full, manly, mellow voice, so absolutely under command of the purest + taste, thrilled on every ear and to every heart. Richard, rejoiced as + after victory, called out the appropriate summons for silence, “Listen, + lords, in bower and hall”; while, with the zeal of a patron at once and a + pupil, he arranged the circle around, and hushed them into silence; and he + himself sat down with an air of expectation and interest, not altogether + unmixed with the gravity of the professed critic. The courtiers turned + their eyes on the King, that they might be ready to trace and imitate the + emotions his features should express, and Thomas de Vaux yawned + tremendously, as one who submitted unwillingly to a wearisome penance. The + song of Blondel was of course in the Norman language, but the verses which + follow express its meaning and its manner. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + THE BLOODY VEST. + + 'Twas near the fair city of Benevent, + When the sun was setting on bough and bent, + And knights were preparing in bower and tent, + On the eve of the Baptist's tournament; + When in Lincoln green a stripling gent, + Well seeming a page by a princess sent, + Wander'd the camp, and, still as he went, + Inquired for the Englishman, Thomas a Kent. + + Far hath he far'd, and farther must fare, + Till he finds his pavilion nor stately nor rare,— + Little save iron and steel was there; + And, as lacking the coin to pay armourer's care, + With his sinewy arms to the shoulders bare, + The good knight with hammer and file did repair + The mail that to-morrow must see him wear, + For the honour of Saint John and his lady fair. + + “Thus speaks my lady,” the page said he, + And the knight bent lowly both head and knee, + “She is Benevent's Princess so high in degree, + And thou art as lowly as knight may well be— + He that would climb so lofty a tree, + Or spring such a gulf as divides her from thee, + Must dare some high deed, by which all men may see + His ambition is back'd by his hie chivalrie. + + “Therefore thus speaks my lady,” the fair page he said, + And the knight lowly louted with hand and with head, + “Fling aside the good armour in which thou art clad, + And don thou this weed of her night-gear instead, + For a hauberk of steel, a kirtle of thread; + And charge, thus attir'd, in the tournament dread, + And fight as thy wont is where most blood is shed, + And bring honour away, or remain with the dead.” + </pre> + <p> + Untroubled in his look, and untroubled in his breast, The knight the weed + hath taken, and reverently hath kiss'd. “Now blessed be the moment, the + messenger be blest! Much honour'd do I hold me in my lady's high behest; + And say unto my lady, in this dear night-weed dress'd, To the best armed + champion I will not veil my crest; But if I live and bear me well 'tis her + turn to take the test.” Here, gentles, ends the foremost fytte of the Lay + of the Bloody Vest. + </p> + <p> + “Thou hast changed the measure upon us unawares in that last couplet, my + Blondel,” said the King. + </p> + <p> + “Most true, my lord,” said Blondel. “I rendered the verses from the + Italian of an old harper whom I met in Cyprus, and not having had time + either to translate it accurately or commit it to memory, I am fain to + supply gaps in the music and the verse as I can upon the spur of the + moment, as you see boors mend a quickset fence with a fagot.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, on my faith,” said the King, “I like these rattling, rolling + Alexandrines. Methinks they come more twangingly off to the music than + that briefer measure.” + </p> + <p> + “Both are licensed, as is well known to your Grace,” answered Blondel. + </p> + <p> + “They are so, Blondel,” said Richard, “yet methinks the scene where there + is like to be fighting will go best on in these same thundering + Alexandrines, which sound like the charge of cavalry, while the other + measure is but like the sidelong amble of a lady's palfrey.” + </p> + <p> + “It shall be as your Grace pleases,” replied Blondel, and began again to + prelude. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, first cherish thy fancy with a cup of fiery Chios wine,” said the + King. “And hark thee, I would have thee fling away that new-fangled + restriction of thine, of terminating in accurate and similar rhymes. They + are a constraint on thy flow of fancy, and make thee resemble a man + dancing in fetters.” + </p> + <p> + “The fetters are easily flung off, at least,” said Blondel, again sweeping + his fingers over the strings, as one who would rather have played than + listened to criticism. + </p> + <p> + “But why put them on, man?” continued the King. “Wherefore thrust thy + genius into iron bracelets? I marvel how you got forward at all. I am sure + I should not have been able to compose a stanza in yonder hampered + measure.” + </p> + <p> + Blondel looked down, and busied himself with the strings of his harp, to + hide an involuntary smile which crept over his features; but it escaped + not Richard's observation. + </p> + <p> + “By my faith, thou laughest at me, Blondel,” he said; “and, in good truth, + every man deserves it who presumes to play the master when he should be + the pupil. But we kings get bad habits of self-opinion. Come, on with thy + lay, dearest Blondel—on after thine own fashion, better than aught + that we can suggest, though we must needs be talking.” + </p> + <p> + Blondel resumed the lay; but as extemporaneous composition was familiar to + him, he failed not to comply with the King's hints, and was perhaps not + displeased to show with how much ease he could new-model a poem, even + while in the act of recitation. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + THE BLOODY VEST. + + FYTTE SECOND. + + The Baptist's fair morrow beheld gallant feats— + There was winning of honour and losing of seats; + There was hewing with falchions and splintering of staves— + The victors won glory, the vanquish'd won graves. + Oh, many a knight there fought bravely and well, + Yet one was accounted his peers to excel, + And 'twas he whose sole armour on body and breast + Seem'd the weed of a damsel when bouned for her rest. + + There were some dealt him wounds that were bloody and sore, + But others respected his plight, and forbore. + “It is some oath of honour,” they said, “and I trow, + 'Twere unknightly to slay him achieving his vow.” + Then the Prince, for his sake, bade the tournament cease— + He flung down his warder, the trumpets sung peace; + And the judges declare, and competitors yield, + That the Knight of the Night-gear was first in the field. + + The feast it was nigh, and the mass it was nigher, + When before the fair Princess low looted a squire, + And deliver'd a garment unseemly to view, + With sword-cut and spear-thrust, all hack'd and pierc'd through; + All rent and all tatter'd, all clotted with blood, + With foam of the horses, with dust, and with mud; + Not the point of that lady's small finger, I ween, + Could have rested on spot was unsullied and clean. + + “This token my master, Sir Thomas a Kent, + Restores to the Princess of fair Benevent; + He that climbs the tall tree has won right to the fruit, + He that leaps the wide gulf should prevail in his suit; + Through life's utmost peril the prize I have won, + And now must the faith of my mistress be shown: + For she who prompts knights on such danger to run + Must avouch his true service in front of the sun. + + “'I restore,' says my master, 'the garment I've worn, + And I claim of the Princess to don it in turn; + For its stains and its rents she should prize it the more, + Since by shame 'tis unsullied, though crimson'd with gore.'” + Then deep blush'd the Princess—yet kiss'd she and press'd + The blood-spotted robes to her lips and her breast. + “Go tell my true knight, church and chamber shall show + If I value the blood on this garment or no.” + + And when it was time for the nobles to pass, + In solemn procession to minster and mass, + The first walk'd the Princess in purple and pall, + But the blood-besmear'd night-robe she wore over all; + And eke, in the hall, where they all sat at dine, + When she knelt to her father and proffer'd the wine, + Over all her rich robes and state jewels she wore + That wimple unseemly bedabbled with gore. + + Then lords whisper'd ladies, as well you may think, + And ladies replied with nod, titter, and wink; + And the Prince, who in anger and shame had look'd down, + Turn'd at length to his daughter, and spoke with a frown: + “Now since thou hast publish'd thy folly and guilt, + E'en atone with thy hand for the blood thou hast spilt; + Yet sore for your boldness you both will repent, + When you wander as exiles from fair Benevent.” + + Then out spoke stout Thomas, in hall where he stood, + Exhausted and feeble, but dauntless of mood: + “The blood that I lost for this daughter of thine, + I pour'd forth as freely as flask gives its wine; + And if for my sake she brooks penance and blame, + Do not doubt I will save her from suffering and shame; + And light will she reck of thy princedom and rent, + When I hail her, in England, the Countess of Kent.” + </pre> + <p> + A murmur of applause ran through the assembly, following the example of + Richard himself, who loaded with praises his favourite minstrel, and ended + by presenting him with a ring of considerable value. The Queen hastened to + distinguish the favourite by a rich bracelet, and many of the nobles who + were present followed the royal example. + </p> + <p> + “Is our cousin Edith,” said the King, “become insensible to the sound of + the harp she once loved?” + </p> + <p> + “She thanks Blondel for his lay,” replied Edith, “but doubly the kindness + of the kinsman who suggested it.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou art angry, cousin,” said the King; “angry because thou hast heard of + a woman more wayward than thyself. But you escape me not. I will walk a + space homeward with you towards the Queen's pavilion. We must have + conference together ere the night has waned into morning.” + </p> + <p> + The Queen and her attendants were now on foot, and the other guests + withdrew from the royal tent. A train with blazing torches, and an escort + of archers, awaited Berengaria without the pavilion, and she was soon on + her way homeward. Richard, as he had proposed, walked beside his + kinswoman, and compelled her to accept of his arm as her support, so that + they could speak to each other without being overheard. + </p> + <p> + “What answer, then, am I to return to the noble Soldan?” said Richard. + “The kings and princes are falling from me, Edith; this new quarrel hath + alienated them once more. I would do something for the Holy Sepulchre by + composition, if not by victory; and the chance of my doing this depends, + alas, on the caprice of a woman. I would lay my single spear in the rest + against ten of the best lances in Christendom, rather than argue with a + wilful wench who knows not what is for her own good. What answer, coz, am + I to return to the Soldan? It must be decisive.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell him,” said Edith, “that the poorest of the Plantagenets will rather + wed with misery than with misbelief.” + </p> + <p> + “Shall I say with slavery, Edith?” said the King. “Methinks that is nearer + thy thoughts.” + </p> + <p> + “There is no room,” said Edith, “for the suspicion you so grossly + insinuate. Slavery of the body might have been pitied, but that of the + soul is only to be despised. Shame to thee, King of merry England. Thou + hast enthralled both the limbs and the spirit of a knight, one scarce less + famed than thyself.” + </p> + <p> + “Should I not prevent my kinswoman from drinking poison, by sullying the + vessel which contained it, if I saw no other means of disgusting her with + the fatal liquor?” replied the King. + </p> + <p> + “It is thyself,” answered Edith, “that would press me to drink poison, + because it is proffered in a golden chalice.” + </p> + <p> + “Edith,” said Richard, “I cannot force thy resolution; but beware you shut + not the door which Heaven opens. The hermit of Engaddi—he whom Popes + and Councils have regarded as a prophet—hath read in the stars that + thy marriage shall reconcile me with a powerful enemy, and that thy + husband shall be Christian, leaving thus the fairest ground to hope that + the conversion of the Soldan, and the bringing in of the sons of Ishmael + to the pale of the church, will be the consequence of thy wedding with + Saladin. Come, thou must make some sacrifice rather than mar such happy + prospects.” + </p> + <p> + “Men may sacrifice rams and goats,” said Edith, “but not honour and + conscience. I have heard that it was the dishonour of a Christian maiden + which brought the Saracens into Spain; the shame of another is no likely + mode of expelling them from Palestine.” + </p> + <p> + “Dost thou call it shame to become an empress?” said the King. + </p> + <p> + “I call it shame and dishonour to profane a Christian sacrament by + entering into it with an infidel whom it cannot bind; and I call it foul + dishonour that I, the descendant of a Christian princess, should become of + free will the head of a haram of heathen concubines.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, kinswoman,” said the King, after a pause, “I must not quarrel with + thee, though I think thy dependent condition might have dictated more + compliance.” + </p> + <p> + “My liege,” replied Edith, “your Grace hath worthily succeeded to all the + wealth, dignity, and dominion of the House of Plantagenet—do not, + therefore, begrudge your poor kinswoman some small share of their pride.” + </p> + <p> + “By my faith, wench,” said the King, “thou hast unhorsed me with that very + word, so we will kiss and be friends. I will presently dispatch thy answer + to Saladin. But after all, coz, were it not better to suspend your answer + till you have seen him? Men say he is pre-eminently handsome.” + </p> + <p> + “There is no chance of our meeting, my lord,” said Edith. + </p> + <p> + “By Saint George, but there is next to a certainty of it,” said the King; + “for Saladin will doubtless afford us a free field for the doing of this + new battle of the Standard, and will witness it himself. Berengaria is + wild to behold it also; and I dare be sworn not a feather of you, her + companions and attendants, will remain behind—least of all thou + thyself, fair coz. But come, we have reached the pavilion, and must part; + not in unkindness thou, oh—nay, thou must seal it with thy lip as + well as thy hand, sweet Edith—it is my right as a sovereign to kiss + my pretty vassals.” + </p> + <p> + He embraced her respectfully and affectionately, and returned through the + moonlit camp, humming to himself such snatches of Blondel's lay as he + could recollect. + </p> + <p> + On his arrival he lost no time in making up his dispatches for Saladin, + and delivered them to the Nubian, with a charge to set out by peep of day + on his return to the Soldan. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + We heard the Techir—so these Arabs call + Their shout of onset, when, with loud acclaim, + They challenge Heaven to give them victory. + SIEGE OF DAMASCUS. +</pre> + <p> + On the subsequent morning Richard was invited to a conference by Philip of + France, in which the latter, with many expressions of his high esteem for + his brother of England, communicated to him in terms extremely courteous, + but too explicit to be misunderstood, his positive intention to return to + Europe, and to the cares of his kingdom, as entirely despairing of future + success in their undertaking, with their diminished forces and civil + discords. Richard remonstrated, but in vain; and when the conference ended + he received without surprise a manifesto from the Duke of Austria, and + several other princes, announcing a resolution similar to that of Philip, + and in no modified terms, assigning, for their defection from the cause of + the Cross, the inordinate ambition and arbitrary domination of Richard of + England. All hopes of continuing the war with any prospect of ultimate + success were now abandoned; and Richard, while he shed bitter tears over + his disappointed hopes of glory, was little consoled by the recollection + that the failure was in some degree to be imputed to the advantages which + he had given his enemies by his own hasty and imprudent temper. + </p> + <p> + “They had not dared to have deserted my father thus,” he said to De Vaux, + in the bitterness of his resentment. “No slanders they could have uttered + against so wise a king would have been believed in Christendom; whereas—fool + that I am!—I have not only afforded them a pretext for deserting me, + but even a colour for casting all the blame of the rupture upon my unhappy + foibles.” + </p> + <p> + These thoughts were so deeply galling to the King, that De Vaux was + rejoiced when the arrival of an ambassador from Saladin turned his + reflections into a different channel. + </p> + <p> + This new envoy was an Emir much respected by the Soldan, whose name was + Abdallah el Hadgi. He derived his descent from the family of the Prophet, + and the race or tribe of Hashem, in witness of which genealogy he wore a + green turban of large dimensions. He had also three times performed the + journey to Mecca, from which he derived his epithet of El Hadgi, or the + Pilgrim. Notwithstanding these various pretensions to sanctity, Abdallah + was (for an Arab) a boon companion, who enjoyed a merry tale, and laid + aside his gravity so far as to quaff a blithe flagon when secrecy ensured + him against scandal. He was likewise a statesman, whose abilities had been + used by Saladin in various negotiations with the Christian princes, and + particularly with Richard, to whom El Hadgi was personally known and + acceptable. Animated by the cheerful acquiescence with which the envoy of + Saladin afforded a fair field for the combat, a safe conduct for all who + might choose to witness it, and offered his own person as a guarantee of + his fidelity, Richard soon forgot his disappointed hopes, and the + approaching dissolution of the Christian league, in the interesting + discussions preceding a combat in the lists. + </p> + <p> + The station called the Diamond of the Desert was assigned for the place of + conflict, as being nearly at an equal distance betwixt the Christian and + Saracen camps. It was agreed that Conrade of Montserrat, the defendant, + with his godfathers, the Archduke of Austria and the Grand Master of the + Templars, should appear there on the day fixed for the combat, with a + hundred armed followers, and no more; that Richard of England and his + brother Salisbury, who supported the accusation, should attend with the + same number, to protect his champion; and that the Soldan should bring + with him a guard of five hundred chosen followers, a band considered as + not more than equal to the two hundred Christian lances. Such persons of + consideration as either party chose to invite to witness the contest were + to wear no other weapons than their swords, and to come without defensive + armour. The Soldan undertook the preparation of the lists, and to provide + accommodations and refreshments of every kind for all who were to assist + at the solemnity; and his letters expressed with much courtesy the + pleasure which he anticipated in the prospect of a personal and peaceful + meeting with the Melech Ric, and his anxious desire to render his + reception as agreeable as possible. + </p> + <p> + All preliminaries being arranged and communicated to the defendant and his + godfathers, Abdullah the Hadgi was admitted to a more private interview, + where he heard with delight the strains of Blondel. Having first carefully + put his green turban out of sight, and assumed a Greek cap in its stead, + he requited the Norman minstrel's music with a drinking song from the + Persian, and quaffed a hearty flagon of Cyprus wine, to show that his + practice matched his principles. On the next day, grave and sober as the + water-drinker Mirglip, he bent his brow to the ground before Saladin's + footstool, and rendered to the Soldan an account of his embassy. + </p> + <p> + On the day before that appointed for the combat Conrade and his friends + set off by daybreak to repair to the place assigned, and Richard left the + camp at the same hour and for the same purpose; but, as had been agreed + upon, he took his journey by a different route—a precaution which + had been judged necessary, to prevent the possibility of a quarrel betwixt + their armed attendants. + </p> + <p> + The good King himself was in no humour for quarrelling with any one. + Nothing could have added to his pleasurable anticipations of a desperate + and bloody combat in the lists, except his being in his own royal person + one of the combatants; and he was half in charity again even with Conrade + of Montserrat. Lightly armed, richly dressed, and gay as a bridegroom on + the eve of his nuptials, Richard caracoled along by the side of Queen + Berengaria's litter, pointing out to her the various scenes through which + they passed, and cheering with tale and song the bosom of the inhospitable + wilderness. The former route of the Queen's pilgrimage to Engaddi had been + on the other side of the chain of mountains, so that the ladies were + strangers to the scenery of the desert; and though Berengaria knew her + husband's disposition too well not to endeavour to seem interested in what + he was pleased either to say or to sing, she could not help indulging some + female fears when she found herself in the howling wilderness with so + small an escort, which seemed almost like a moving speck on the bosom of + the plain, and knew at the same time they were not so distant from the + camp of Saladin, but what they might be in a moment surprised and swept + off by an overpowering host of his fiery-footed cavalry, should the pagan + be faithless enough to embrace an opportunity thus tempting. But when she + hinted these suspicions to Richard he repelled them with displeasure and + disdain. “It were worse than ingratitude,” he said, “to doubt the good + faith of the generous Soldan.” + </p> + <p> + Yet the same doubts and fears recurred more than once, not to the timid + mind of the Queen alone, but to the firmer and more candid soul of Edith + Plantagenet, who had no such confidence in the faith of the Moslem as to + render her perfectly at ease when so much in their power; and her surprise + had been far less than her terror, if the desert around had suddenly + resounded with the shout of ALLAH HU! and a band of Arab cavalry had + pounced on them like vultures on their prey. Nor were these suspicions + lessened when, as evening approached, they were aware of a single Arab + horseman, distinguished by his turban and long lance, hovering on the edge + of a small eminence like a hawk poised in the air, and who instantly, on + the appearance of the royal retinue, darted off with the speed of the same + bird when it shoots down the wind and disappears from the horizon. + </p> + <p> + “We must be near the station,” said King Richard; “and yonder cavalier is + one of Saladin's outposts—methinks I hear the noise of the Moorish + horns and cymbals. Get you into order, my hearts, and form yourselves + around the ladies soldierlike and firmly.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, each knight, squire, and archer hastily closed in upon his + appointed ground, and they proceeded in the most compact order, which made + their numbers appear still smaller. And to say the truth, though there + might be no fear, there was anxiety as well as curiosity in the attention + with which they listened to the wild bursts of Moorish music, which came + ever and anon more distinctly from the quarter in which the Arab horseman + had been seen to disappear. + </p> + <p> + De Vaux spoke in a whisper to the King. “Were it not well, my liege, to + send a page to the top of that sand-bank? Or would it stand with your + pleasure that I prick forward? Methinks, by all yonder clash and clang, if + there be no more than five hundred men beyond the sand-hills, half of the + Soldan's retinue must be drummers and cymbal-tossers. Shall I spur on?” + </p> + <p> + The baron had checked his horse with the bit, and was just about to strike + him with the spurs when the King exclaimed, “Not for the world. Such a + caution would express suspicion, and could do little to prevent surprise, + which, however, I apprehend not.” + </p> + <p> + They advanced accordingly in close and firm order till they surmounted the + line of low sand-hills, and came in sight of the appointed station, when a + splendid, but at the same time a startling, spectacle awaited them. + </p> + <p> + The Diamond of the Desert, so lately a solitary fountain, distinguished + only amid the waste by solitary groups of palm-trees, was now the centre + of an encampment, the embroidered flags and gilded ornaments of which + glittered far and wide, and reflected a thousand rich tints against the + setting sun. The coverings of the large pavilions were of the gayest + colours—scarlet, bright yellow, pale blue, and other gaudy and + gleaming hues—and the tops of their pillars, or tent-poles, were + decorated with golden pomegranates and small silken flags. But besides + these distinguished pavilions, there were what Thomas de Vaux considered + as a portentous number of the ordinary black tents of the Arabs, being + sufficient, as he conceived, to accommodate, according to the Eastern + fashion, a host of five thousand men. A number of Arabs and Kurds, fully + corresponding to the extent of the encampment, were hastily assembling, + each leading his horse in his hand, and their muster was accompanied by an + astonishing clamour of their noisy instruments of martial music, by which, + in all ages, the warfare of the Arabs has been animated. + </p> + <p> + They soon formed a deep and confused mass of dismounted cavalry in front + of their encampment, when, at the signal of a shrill cry, which arose high + over the clangour of the music, each cavalier sprung to his saddle. A + cloud of dust arising at the moment of this manoeuvre hid from Richard and + his attendants the camp, the palm-trees, and the distant ridge of + mountains, as well as the troops whose sudden movement had raised the + cloud, and, ascending high over their heads, formed itself into the + fantastic forms of writhed pillars, domes, and minarets. Another shrill + yell was heard from the bosom of this cloudy tabernacle. It was the signal + for the cavalry to advance, which they did at full gallop, disposing + themselves as they came forward so as to come in at once on the front, + flanks, and rear of Richard's little bodyguard, who were thus surrounded, + and almost choked by the dense clouds of dust enveloping them on each + side, through which were seen alternately, and lost, the grim forms and + wild faces of the Saracens, brandishing and tossing their lances in every + possible direction with the wildest cries and halloos, and frequently only + reining up their horses when within a spear's length of the Christians, + while those in the rear discharged over the heads of both parties thick + volleys of arrows. One of these struck the litter in which the Queen was + seated, who loudly screamed, and the red spot was on Richard's brow in an + instant. + </p> + <p> + “Ha! Saint George,” he exclaimed, “we must take some order with this + infidel scum!” + </p> + <p> + But Edith, whose litter was near, thrust her head out, and with her hand + holding one of the shafts, exclaimed, “Royal Richard, beware what you do! + see, these arrows are headless!” + </p> + <p> + “Noble, sensible wench!” exclaimed Richard; “by Heaven, thou shamest us + all by thy readiness of thought and eye.—Be not moved, my English + hearts,” he exclaimed to his followers; “their arrows have no heads—and + their spears, too, lack the steel points. It is but a wild welcome, after + their savage fashion, though doubtless they would rejoice to see us + daunted or disturbed. Move onward, slow and steady.” + </p> + <p> + The little phalanx moved forward accordingly, accompanied on all sides by + the Arabs, with the shrillest and most piercing cries, the bowmen, + meanwhile, displaying their agility by shooting as near the crests of the + Christians as was possible, without actually hitting them, while the + lancers charged each other with such rude blows of their blunt weapons + that more than one of them lost his saddle, and well-nigh his life, in + this rough sport. All this, though designed to express welcome, had rather + a doubtful appearance in the eyes of the Europeans. + </p> + <p> + As they had advanced nearly half way towards the camp, King Richard and + his suite forming, as it were, the nucleus round which this tumultuary + body of horsemen howled, whooped, skirmished, and galloped, creating a + scene of indescribable confusion, another shrill cry was heard, on which + all these irregulars, who were on the front and upon the flanks of the + little body of Europeans, wheeled off; and forming themselves into a long + and deep column, followed with comparative order and silence in the rear + of Richard's troops. The dust began now to dissipate in their front, when + there advanced to meet them through that cloudy veil a body of cavalry of + a different and more regular description, completely armed with offensive + and defensive weapons, and who might well have served as a bodyguard to + the proudest of Eastern monarchs. This splendid troop consisted of five + hundred men and each horse which it contained was worth an earl's ransom. + The riders were Georgian and Circassian slaves in the very prime of life. + Their helmets and hauberks were formed of steel rings, so bright that they + shone like silver; their vestures were of the gayest colours, and some of + cloth of gold or silver; the sashes were twisted with silk and gold, their + rich turbans were plumed and jewelled, and their sabres and poniards, of + Damascene steel, were adorned with gold and gems on hilt and scabbard. + </p> + <p> + This splendid array advanced to the sound of military music, and when they + met the Christian body they opened their files to the right and left, and + let them enter between their ranks. Richard now assumed the foremost place + in his troop, aware that Saladin himself was approaching. Nor was it long + when, in the centre of his bodyguard, surrounded by his domestic officers + and those hideous negroes who guard the Eastern haram, and whose misshapen + forms were rendered yet more frightful by the richness of their attire, + came the Soldan, with the look and manners of one on whose brow Nature had + written, This is a King! In his snow-white turban, vest, and wide Eastern + trousers, wearing a sash of scarlet silk, without any other ornament, + Saladin might have seemed the plainest-dressed man in his own guard. But + closer inspection discerned in his turban that inestimable gem which was + called by the poets the Sea of Light; the diamond on which his signet was + engraved, and which he wore in a ring, was probably worth all the jewels + of the English crown; and a sapphire which terminated the hilt of his + cangiar was not of much inferior value. It should be added that, to + protect himself from the dust, which in the vicinity of the Dead Sea + resembles the finest ashes, or, perhaps, out of Oriental pride, the Soldan + wore a sort of veil attached to his turban, which partly obscured the view + of his noble features. He rode a milk-white Arabian, which bore him as if + conscious and proud of his noble burden. + </p> + <p> + There was no need of further introduction. The two heroic monarchs—for + such they both were—threw themselves at once from horseback, and the + troops halting and the music suddenly ceasing, they advanced to meet each + other in profound silence, and after a courteous inclination on either + side they embraced as brethren and equals. The pomp and display upon both + sides attracted no further notice—no one saw aught save Richard and + Saladin, and they too beheld nothing but each other. The looks with which + Richard surveyed Saladin were, however, more intently curious than those + which the Soldan fixed upon him; and the Soldan also was the first to + break silence. + </p> + <p> + “The Melech Ric is welcome to Saladin as water to this desert. I trust he + hath no distrust of this numerous array. Excepting the armed slaves of my + household, those who surround you with eyes of wonder and of welcome are—even + the humblest of them—the privileged nobles of my thousand tribes; + for who that could claim a title to be present would remain at home when + such a Prince was to be seen as Richard, with the terrors of whose name, + even on the sands of Yemen, the nurse stills her child, and the free Arab + subdues his restive steed!” + </p> + <p> + “And these are all nobles of Araby?” said Richard, looking around on wild + forms with their persons covered with haiks, their countenance swart with + the sunbeams, their teeth as white as ivory, their black eyes glancing + with fierce and preternatural lustre from under the shade of their + turbans, and their dress being in general simple even to meanness. + </p> + <p> + “They claim such rank,” said Saladin; “but though numerous, they are + within the conditions of the treaty, and bear no arms but the sabre—even + the iron of their lances is left behind.” + </p> + <p> + “I fear,” muttered De Vaux in English, “they have left them where they can + be soon found. A most flourishing House of Peers, I confess, and would + find Westminster Hall something too narrow for them.” + </p> + <p> + “Hush, De Vaux,” said Richard, “I command thee.—Noble Saladin,” he + said, “suspicion and thou cannot exist on the same ground. Seest thou,” + pointing to the litters, “I too have brought some champions with me, + though armed, perhaps, in breach of agreement; for bright eyes and fair + features are weapons which cannot be left behind.” + </p> + <p> + The Soldan, turning to the litters, made an obeisance as lowly as if + looking towards Mecca, and kissed the sand in token of respect. + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” said Richard, “they will not fear a closer encounter, brother; wilt + thou not ride towards their litters, and the curtains will be presently + withdrawn?” + </p> + <p> + “That may Allah prohibit!” said Saladin, “since not an Arab looks on who + would not think it shame to the noble ladies to be seen with their faces + uncovered.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou shalt see them, then, in private, brother,” answered Richard. + </p> + <p> + “To what purpose?” answered Saladin mournfully. “Thy last letter was, to + the hopes which I had entertained, like water to fire; and wherefore + should I again light a flame which may indeed consume, but cannot cheer + me? But will not my brother pass to the tent which his servant hath + prepared for him? My principal black slave hath taken order for the + reception of the Princesses, the officers of my household will attend your + followers, and ourself will be the chamberlain of the royal Richard.” + </p> + <p> + He led the way accordingly to a splendid pavilion, where was everything + that royal luxury could devise. De Vaux, who was in attendance, then + removed the chappe (CAPA), or long riding-cloak, which Richard wore, and + he stood before Saladin in the close dress which showed to advantage the + strength and symmetry of his person, while it bore a strong contrast to + the flowing robes which disguised the thin frame. of the Eastern monarch. + It was Richard's two-handed sword that chiefly attracted the attention of + the Saracen—a broad, straight blade, the seemingly unwieldy length + of which extended well-nigh from the shoulder to the heel of the wearer. + </p> + <p> + “Had I not,” said Saladin, “seen this brand flaming in the front of + battle, like that of Azrael, I had scarce believed that human arm could + wield it. Might I request to see the Melech Ric strike one blow with it in + peace, and in pure trial of strength?” + </p> + <p> + “Willingly, noble Saladin,” answered Richard; and looking around for + something whereon to exercise his strength, he saw a steel mace held by + one of the attendants, the handle being of the same metal, and about an + inch and a half in diameter. This he placed on a block of wood. + </p> + <p> + The anxiety of De Vaux for his master's honour led him to whisper in + English, “For the blessed Virgin's sake, beware what you attempt, my + liege! Your full strength is not as yet returned—give no triumph to + the infidel.” + </p> + <p> + “Peace, fool!” said Richard, standing firm on his ground, and casting a + fierce glance around; “thinkest thou that I can fail in HIS presence?” + </p> + <p> + The glittering broadsword, wielded by both his hands, rose aloft to the + King's left shoulder, circled round his head, descended with the sway of + some terrific engine, and the bar of iron rolled on the ground in two + pieces, as a woodsman would sever a sapling with a hedging-bill. + </p> + <p> + “By the head of the Prophet, a most wonderful blow!” said the Soldan, + critically and accurately examining the iron bar which had been cut + asunder; and the blade of the sword was so well tempered as to exhibit not + the least token of having suffered by the feat it had performed. He then + took the King's hand, and looking on the size and muscular strength which + it exhibited, laughed as he placed it beside his own, so lank and thin, so + inferior in brawn and sinew. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, look well,” said De Vaux in English, “it will be long ere your long + jackanape's fingers do such a feat with your fine gilded reaping-hook + there.” + </p> + <p> + “Silence, De Vaux,” said Richard; “by Our Lady, he understands or guesses + thy meaning—be not so broad, I pray thee.” + </p> + <p> + The Soldan, indeed, presently said, “Something I would fain attempt—though + wherefore should the weak show their inferiority in presence of the + strong? Yet each land hath its own exercises, and this may be new to the + Melech Ric.” So saying, he took from the floor a cushion of silk and down, + and placed it upright on one end. “Can thy weapon, my brother, sever that + cushion?” he said to King Richard. + </p> + <p> + “No, surely,” replied the King; “no sword on earth, were it the Excalibur + of King Arthur, can cut that which opposes no steady resistance to the + blow.” + </p> + <p> + “Mark, then,” said Saladin; and tucking up the sleeve of his gown, showed + his arm, thin indeed and spare, but which constant exercise had hardened + into a mass consisting of nought but bone, brawn, and sinew. He unsheathed + his scimitar, a curved and narrow blade, which glittered not like the + swords of the Franks, but was, on the contrary, of a dull blue colour, + marked with ten millions of meandering lines, which showed how anxiously + the metal had been welded by the armourer. Wielding this weapon, + apparently so inefficient when compared to that of Richard, the Soldan + stood resting his weight upon his left foot, which was slightly advanced; + he balanced himself a little, as if to steady his aim; then stepping at + once forward, drew the scimitar across the cushion, applying the edge so + dexterously, and with so little apparent effort, that the cushion seemed + rather to fall asunder than to be divided by violence. + </p> + <p> + “It is a juggler's trick,” said De Vaux, darting forward and snatching up + the portion of the cushion which had been cut off, as if to assure himself + of the reality of the feat; “there is gramarye in this.” + </p> + <p> + The Soldan seemed to comprehend him, for he undid the sort of veil which + he had hitherto worn, laid it double along the edge of his sabre, extended + the weapon edgeways in the air, and drawing it suddenly through the veil, + although it hung on the blade entirely loose, severed that also into two + parts, which floated to different sides of the tent, equally displaying + the extreme temper and sharpness of the weapon, and the exquisite + dexterity of him who used it. + </p> + <p> + “Now, in good faith, my brother,” said Richard, “thou art even matchless + at the trick of the sword, and right perilous were it to meet thee! Still, + however, I put some faith in a downright English blow, and what we cannot + do by sleight we eke out by strength. Nevertheless, in truth thou art as + expert in inflicting wounds as my sage Hakim in curing them. I trust I + shall see the learned leech. I have much to thank him for, and had brought + some small present.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, Saladin exchanged his turban for a Tartar cap. He had no + sooner done so, than De Vaux opened at once his extended mouth and his + large, round eyes, and Richard gazed with scarce less astonishment, while + the Soldan spoke in a grave and altered voice: “The sick man, saith the + poet, while he is yet infirm, knoweth the physician by his step; but when + he is recovered, he knoweth not even his face when he looks upon him.” + </p> + <p> + “A miracle!—a miracle!” exclaimed Richard. + </p> + <p> + “Of Mahound's working, doubtless,” said Thomas de Vaux. + </p> + <p> + “That I should lose my learned Hakim,” said Richard, “merely by absence of + his cap and robe, and that I should find him again in my royal brother + Saladin!” + </p> + <p> + “Such is oft the fashion of the world,” answered the Soldan; “the tattered + robe makes not always the dervise.” + </p> + <p> + “And it was through thy intercession,” said Richard, “that yonder Knight + of the Leopard was saved from death, and by thy artifice that he revisited + my camp in disguise?” + </p> + <p> + “Even so,” replied Saladin. “I was physician enough to know that, unless + the wounds of his bleeding honour were stanched, the days of his life must + be few. His disguise was more easily penetrated than I had expected from + the success of my own.” + </p> + <p> + “An accident,” said King Richard (probably alluding to the circumstance of + his applying his lips to the wound of the supposed Nubian), “let me first + know that his skin was artificially discoloured; and that hint once taken, + detection became easy, for his form and person are not to be forgotten. I + confidently expect that he will do battle on the morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “He is full in preparation, and high in hope,” said the Soldan. “I have + furnished him with weapons and horse, thinking nobly of him from what I + have seen under various disguises.” + </p> + <p> + “Knows he now,” said Richard, “to whom he lies under obligation?” + </p> + <p> + “He doth,” replied the Saracen. “I was obliged to confess my person when I + unfolded my purpose.” + </p> + <p> + “And confessed he aught to you?” said the King of England. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing explicit,” replied the Soldan; “but from much that passed between + us, I conceive his love is too highly placed to be happy in its issue.” + </p> + <p> + “And thou knowest that his daring and insolent passion crossed thine own + wishes?” said Richard. + </p> + <p> + “I might guess so much,” said Saladin; “but his passion had existed ere my + wishes had been formed—and, I must now add, is likely to survive + them. I cannot, in honour, revenge me for my disappointment on him who had + no hand in it. Or, if this high-born dame loved him better than myself, + who can say that she did not justice to a knight of her own religion, who + is full of nobleness?” + </p> + <p> + “Yet of too mean lineage to mix with the blood of Plantagenet,” said + Richard haughtily. + </p> + <p> + “Such may be your maxims in Frangistan,” replied the Soldan. “Our poets of + the Eastern countries say that a valiant camel-driver is worthy to kiss + the lip of a fair Queen, when a cowardly prince is not worthy to salute + the hem of her garment. But with your permission, noble brother, I must + take leave of thee for the present, to receive the Duke of Austria and + yonder Nazarene knight, much less worthy of hospitality, but who must yet + be suitably entreated, not for their sakes, but for mine own honour—for + what saith the sage Lokman? 'Say not that the food is lost unto thee which + is given to the stranger; for if his body be strengthened and fattened + therewithal, not less is thine own worship and good name cherished and + augmented.'” + </p> + <p> + The Saracen Monarch departed from King Richard's tent, and having + indicated to him, rather with signs than with speech, where the pavilion + of the Queen and her attendants was pitched, he went to receive the + Marquis of Montserrat and his attendants, for whom, with less goodwill, + but with equal splendour, the magnificent Soldan had provided + accommodations. The most ample refreshments, both in the Oriental and + after the European fashion, were spread before the royal and princely + guests of Saladin, each in their own separate pavilion; and so attentive + was the Soldan to the habits and taste of his visitors, that Grecian + slaves were stationed to present them with the goblet, which is the + abomination of the sect of Mohammed. Ere Richard had finished his meal, + the ancient Omrah, who had brought the Soldan's letter to the Christian + camp, entered with a plan of the ceremonial to be observed on the + succeeding day of combat. Richard, who knew the taste of his old + acquaintance, invited him to pledge him in a flagon of wine of Shiraz; but + Abdallah gave him to understand, with a rueful aspect, that self-denial in + the present circumstances was a matter in which his life was concerned, + for that Saladin, tolerant in many respects, both observed and enforced by + high penalties the laws of the Prophet. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, then,” said Richard, “if he loves not wine, that lightener of the + human heart, his conversion is not to be hoped for, and the prediction of + the mad priest of Engaddi goes like chaff down the wind.” + </p> + <p> + The King then addressed himself to settle the articles of combat, which + cost a considerable time, as it was necessary on some points to consult + with the opposite parties, as well as with the Soldan. + </p> + <p> + They were at length finally agreed upon, and adjusted by a protocol in + French and in Arabian, which was subscribed by Saladin as umpire of the + field, and by Richard and Leopold as guarantees for the two combatants. As + the Omrah took his final leave of King Richard for the evening, De Vaux + entered. + </p> + <p> + “The good knight,” he said, “who is to do battle tomorrow requests to know + whether he may not to-night pay duty to his royal godfather!” + </p> + <p> + “Hast thou seen him, De Vaux?” said the King, smiling; “and didst thou + know an ancient acquaintance?” + </p> + <p> + “By our Lady of Lanercost,” answered De Vaux, “there are so many surprises + and changes in this land that my poor brain turns. I scarce knew Sir + Kenneth of Scotland, till his good hound, that had been for a short while + under my care, came and fawned on me; and even then I only knew the tyke + by the depth of his chest, the roundness of his foot, and his manner of + baying, for the poor gazehound was painted like any Venetian courtesan.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou art better skilled in brutes than men, De Vaux,” said the King. + </p> + <p> + “I will not deny,” said De Vaux, “I have found them ofttimes the honester + animals. Also, your Grace is pleased to term me sometimes a brute myself; + besides that, I serve the Lion, whom all men acknowledge the king of + brutes.” + </p> + <p> + “By Saint George, there thou brokest thy lance fairly on my brow,” said + the King. “I have ever said thou hast a sort of wit, De Vaux; marry, one + must strike thee with a sledge-hammer ere it can be made to sparkle. But + to the present gear—is the good knight well armed and equipped?” + </p> + <p> + “Fully, my liege, and nobly,” answered De Vaux. “I know the armour well; + it is that which the Venetian commissary offered your highness, just ere + you became ill, for five hundred byzants.” + </p> + <p> + “And he hath sold it to the infidel Soldan, I warrant me, for a few ducats + more, and present payment. These Venetians would sell the Sepulchre + itself!” + </p> + <p> + “The armour will never be borne in a nobler cause,” said De Vaux. + </p> + <p> + “Thanks to the nobleness of the Saracen,” said the King, “not to the + avarice of the Venetians.” + </p> + <p> + “I would to God your Grace would be more cautious,” said the anxious De + Vaux. “Here are we deserted by all our allies, for points of offence given + to one or another; we cannot hope to prosper upon the land; and we have + only to quarrel with the amphibious republic, to lose the means of retreat + by sea!” + </p> + <p> + “I will take care,” said Richard impatiently; “but school me no more. Tell + me rather, for it is of interest, hath the knight a confessor?” + </p> + <p> + “He hath,” answered De Vaux; “the hermit of Engaddi, who erst did him that + office when preparing for death, attends him on the present occasion, the + fame of the duel having brought him hither.” + </p> + <p> + “'Tis well,” said Richard; “and now for the knight's request. Say to him, + Richard will receive him when the discharge of his devoir beside the + Diamond of the Desert shall have atoned for his fault beside the Mount of + Saint George; and as thou passest through the camp, let the Queen know I + will visit her pavilion—and tell Blondel to meet me there.” + </p> + <p> + De Vaux departed, and in about an hour afterwards, Richard, wrapping his + mantle around him, and taking his ghittern in his hand, walked in the + direction of the Queen's pavilion. Several Arabs passed him, but always + with averted heads and looks fixed upon the earth, though he could observe + that all gazed earnestly after him when he was past. This led him justly + to conjecture that his person was known to them; but that either the + Soldan's commands, or their own Oriental politeness, forbade them to seem + to notice a sovereign who desired to remain incognito. + </p> + <p> + When the King reached the pavilion of his Queen he found it guarded by + those unhappy officials whom Eastern jealousy places around the zenana. + Blondel was walking before the door, and touched his rote from time to + time in a manner which made the Africans show their ivory teeth, and bear + burden with their strange gestures and shrill, unnatural voices. + </p> + <p> + “What art thou after with this herd of black cattle, Blondel?” said the + King; “wherefore goest thou not into the tent?” + </p> + <p> + “Because my trade can neither spare the head nor the fingers,” said + Blondel, “and these honest blackamoors threatened to cut me joint from + joint if I pressed forward.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, enter with me,” said the King, “and I will be thy safeguard.” + </p> + <p> + The blacks accordingly lowered pikes and swords to King Richard, and bent + their eyes on the ground, as if unworthy to look upon him. In the interior + of the pavilion they found Thomas de Vaux in attendance on the Queen. + While Berengaria welcomed Blondel, King Richard spoke for some time + secretly and apart with his fair kinswoman. + </p> + <p> + At length, “Are we still foes, my fair Edith?” he said, in a whisper. + </p> + <p> + “No, my liege,” said Edith, in a voice just so low as not to interrupt the + music; “none can bear enmity against King Richard when he deigns to show + himself, as he really is, generous and noble, as well as valiant and + honourable.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, she extended her hand to him. The King kissed it in token of + reconciliation, and then proceeded. + </p> + <p> + “You think, my sweet cousin, that my anger in this matter was feigned; but + you are deceived. The punishment I inflicted upon this knight was just; + for he had betrayed—no matter for how tempting a bribe, fair cousin—the + trust committed to him. But I rejoice, perchance as much as you, that + to-morrow gives him a chance to win the field, and throw back the stain + which for a time clung to him upon the actual thief and traitor. No!—future + times may blame Richard for impetuous folly, but they shall say that in + rendering judgment he was just when he should and merciful when he could.” + </p> + <p> + “Laud not thyself, cousin King,” said Edith. “They may call thy justice + cruelty, thy mercy caprice.” + </p> + <p> + “And do not thou pride thyself,” said the King, “as if thy knight, who + hath not yet buckled on his armour, were unbelting it in triumph—Conrade + of Montserrat is held a good lance. What if the Scot should lose the day?” + </p> + <p> + “It is impossible!” said Edith firmly. “My own eyes saw yonder Conrade + tremble and change colour like a base thief; he is guilty, and the trial + by combat is an appeal to the justice of God. I myself, in such a cause, + would encounter him without fear.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +“By the mass, I think thou wouldst, wench,” said the King, “and beat him +to boot, for there never breathed a truer Plantagenet than thou.” + + He paused, and added in a very serious tone, “See that thou +continue to remember what is due to thy birth.” + </pre> + <p> + “What means that advice, so seriously given at this moment?” said Edith. + “Am I of such light nature as to forget my name—my condition?” + </p> + <p> + “I will speak plainly, Edith,” answered the King, “and as to a friend. + What will this knight be to you, should he come off victor from yonder + lists?” + </p> + <p> + “To me?” said Edith, blushing deep with shame and displeasure. “What can + he be to me more than an honoured knight, worthy of such grace as Queen + Berengaria might confer on him, had he selected her for his lady, instead + of a more unworthy choice? The meanest knight may devote himself to the + service of an empress, but the glory of his choice,” she said proudly, + “must be his reward.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet he hath served and suffered much for you,” said the King. + </p> + <p> + “I have paid his services with honour and applause, and his sufferings + with tears,” answered Edith. “Had he desired other reward, he would have + done wisely to have bestowed his affections within his own degree.” + </p> + <p> + “You would not, then, wear the bloody night-gear for his sake?” said King + Richard. + </p> + <p> + “No more,” answered Edith, “than I would have required him to expose his + life by an action in which there was more madness than honour.” + </p> + <p> + “Maidens talk ever thus,” said the King; “but when the favoured lover + presses his suit, she says, with a sigh, her stars had decreed otherwise.” + </p> + <p> + “Your Grace has now, for the second time, threatened me with the influence + of my horoscope,” Edith replied, with dignity. “Trust me, my liege, + whatever be the power of the stars, your poor kinswoman will never wed + either infidel or obscure adventurer. Permit me that I listen to the music + of Blondel, for the tone of your royal admonitions is scarce so grateful + to the ear.” + </p> + <p> + The conclusion of the evening offered nothing worthy of notice. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Heard ye the din of battle bray, + Lance to lance, and horse to horse? + GRAY. +</pre> + <p> + It had been agreed, on account of the heat of the climate, that the + judicial combat which was the cause of the present assemblage of various + nations at the Diamond of the Desert should take place at one hour after + sunrise. The wide lists, which had been constructed under the inspection + of the Knight of the Leopard, enclosed a space of hard sand, which was one + hundred and twenty yards long by forty in width. They extended in length + from north to south, so as to give both parties the equal advantage of the + rising sun. Saladin's royal seat was erected on the western side of the + enclosure, just in the centre, where the combatants were expected to meet + in mid encounter. Opposed to this was a gallery with closed casements, so + contrived that the ladies, for whose accommodation it was erected, might + see the fight without being themselves exposed to view. At either + extremity of the lists was a barrier, which could be opened or shut at + pleasure. Thrones had been also erected, but the Archduke, perceiving that + his was lower than King Richard's, refused to occupy it; and Coeur de + Lion, who would have submitted to much ere any formality should have + interfered with the combat, readily agreed that the sponsors, as they were + called, should remain on horseback during the fight. At one extremity of + the lists were placed the followers of Richard, and opposed to them were + those who accompanied the defender Conrade. Around the throne destined for + the Soldan were ranged his splendid Georgian Guards, and the rest of the + enclosure was occupied by Christian and Mohammedan spectators. + </p> + <p> + Long before daybreak the lists were surrounded by even a larger number of + Saracens than Richard had seen on the preceding evening. When the first + ray of the sun's glorious orb arose above the desert, the sonorous call, + “To prayer—to prayer!” was poured forth by the Soldan himself, and + answered by others, whose rank and zeal entitled them to act as muezzins. + It was a striking spectacle to see them all sink to earth, for the purpose + of repeating their devotions, with their faces turned to Mecca. But when + they arose from the ground, the sun's rays, now strengthening fast, seemed + to confirm the Lord of Gilsland's conjecture of the night before. They + were flashed back from many a spearhead, for the pointless lances of the + preceding day were certainly no longer such. De Vaux pointed it out to his + master, who answered with impatience that he had perfect confidence in the + good faith of the Soldan; but if De Vaux was afraid of his bulky body, he + might retire. + </p> + <p> + Soon after this the noise of timbrels was heard, at the sound of which the + whole Saracen cavaliers threw themselves from their horses, and prostrated + themselves, as if for a second morning prayer. This was to give an + opportunity to the Queen, with Edith and her attendants, to pass from the + pavilion to the gallery intended for them. Fifty guards of Saladin's + seraglio escorted them with naked sabres, whose orders were to cut to + pieces whomsoever, were he prince or peasant, should venture to gaze on + the ladies as they passed, or even presume to raise his head until the + cessation of the music should make all men aware that they were lodged in + their gallery, not to be gazed on by the curious eye. + </p> + <p> + This superstitious observance of Oriental reverence to the fair sex called + forth from Queen Berengaria some criticisms very unfavourable to Saladin + and his country. But their den, as the royal fair called it, being + securely closed and guarded by their sable attendants, she was under the + necessity of contenting herself with seeing, and laying aside for the + present the still more exquisite pleasure of being seen. + </p> + <p> + Meantime the sponsors of both champions went, as was their duty, to see + that they were duly armed and prepared for combat. The Archduke of Austria + was in no hurry to perform this part of the ceremony, having had rather an + unusually severe debauch upon wine of Shiraz the preceding evening. But + the Grand Master of the Temple, more deeply concerned in the event of the + combat, was early before the tent of Conrade of Montserrat. To his great + surprise, the attendants refused him admittance. + </p> + <p> + “Do you not know me, ye knaves?” said the Grand Master, in great anger. + </p> + <p> + “We do, most valiant and reverend,” answered Conrade's squire; “but even + you may not at present enter—the Marquis is about to confess + himself.” + </p> + <p> + “Confess himself!” exclaimed the Templar, in a tone where alarm mingled + with surprise and scorn—“and to whom, I pray thee?” + </p> + <p> + “My master bid me be secret,” said the squire; on which the Grand Master + pushed past him, and entered the tent almost by force. + </p> + <p> + The Marquis of Montserrat was kneeling at the feet of the hermit of + Engaddi, and in the act of beginning his confession. + </p> + <p> + “What means this, Marquis?” said the Grand Master; “up, for shame—or, + if you must needs confess, am not I here?” + </p> + <p> + “I have confessed to you too often already,” replied Conrade, with a pale + cheek and a faltering voice. “For God's sake, Grand Master, begone, and + let me unfold my conscience to this holy man.” + </p> + <p> + “In what is he holier than I am?” said the Grand Master.—“Hermit, + prophet, madman—say, if thou darest, in what thou excellest me?” + </p> + <p> + “Bold and bad man,” replied the hermit, “know that I am like the latticed + window, and the divine light passes through to avail others, though, alas! + it helpeth not me. Thou art like the iron stanchions, which neither + receive light themselves, nor communicate it to any one.” + </p> + <p> + “Prate not to me, but depart from this tent,” said the Grand Master; “the + Marquis shall not confess this morning, unless it be to me, for I part not + from his side.” + </p> + <p> + “Is this YOUR pleasure?” said the hermit to Conrade; “for think not I will + obey that proud man, if you continue to desire my assistance.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas,” said Conrade irresolutely, “what would you have me say? Farewell + for a while—-we will speak anon.” + </p> + <p> + “O procrastination!” exclaimed the hermit, “thou art a soul-murderer!—Unhappy + man, farewell—not for a while, but until we shall both meet no + matter where. And for thee,” he added, turning to the Grand Master, + “TREMBLE!” + </p> + <p> + “Tremble!” replied the Templar contemptuously, “I cannot if I would.” + </p> + <p> + The hermit heard not his answer, having left the tent. + </p> + <p> + “Come! to this gear hastily,” said the Grand Master, “since thou wilt + needs go through the foolery. Hark thee—I think I know most of thy + frailties by heart, so we may omit the detail, which may be somewhat a + long one, and begin with the absolution. What signifies counting the spots + of dirt that we are about to wash from our hands?” + </p> + <p> + “Knowing what thou art thyself,” said Conrade, “it is blasphemous to speak + of pardoning another.” + </p> + <p> + “That is not according to the canon, Lord Marquis,” said the Templar; + “thou art more scrupulous than orthodox. The absolution of the wicked + priest is as effectual as if he were himself a saint—otherwise, God + help the poor penitent! What wounded man inquires whether the surgeon that + tends his gashes has clean hands or no? Come, shall we to this toy?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Conrade, “I will rather die unconfessed than mock the + sacrament.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, noble Marquis,” said the Templar, “rouse up your courage, and speak + not thus. In an hour's time thou shalt stand victorious in the lists, or + confess thee in thy helmet, like a valiant knight.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas, Grand Master,” answered Conrade, “all augurs ill for this affair, + the strange discovery by the instinct of a dog—the revival of this + Scottish knight, who comes into the lists like a spectre—all + betokens evil.” + </p> + <p> + “Pshaw,” said the Templar, “I have seen thee bend thy lance boldly against + him in sport, and with equal chance of success. Think thou art but in a + tournament, and who bears him better in the tilt-yard than thou?—Come, + squires and armourers, your master must be accoutred for the field.” + </p> + <p> + The attendants entered accordingly, and began to arm the Marquis. + </p> + <p> + “What morning is without?” said Conrade. + </p> + <p> + “The sun rises dimly,” answered a squire. + </p> + <p> + “Thou seest, Grand Master,” said Conrade, “nought smiles on us.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou wilt fight the more coolly, my son,” answered the Templar; “thank + Heaven, that hath tempered the sun of Palestine to suit thine occasion.” + </p> + <p> + Thus jested the Grand Master. But his jests had lost their influence on + the harassed mind of the Marquis, and notwithstanding his attempts to seem + gay, his gloom communicated itself to the Templar. + </p> + <p> + “This craven,” he thought, “will lose the day in pure faintness and + cowardice of heart, which he calls tender conscience. I, whom visions and + auguries shake not—-who am firm in my purpose as the living rock—I + should have fought the combat myself. Would to God the Scot may strike him + dead on the spot; it were next best to his winning the victory. But come + what will, he must have no other confessor than myself—our sins are + too much in common, and he might confess my share with his own.” + </p> + <p> + While these thoughts passed through his mind, he continued to assist the + Marquis in arming, but it was in silence. + </p> + <p> + The hour at length arrived; the trumpets sounded; the knights rode into + the lists armed at all points, and mounted like men who were to do battle + for a kingdom's honour. They wore their visors up, and riding around the + lists three times, showed themselves to the spectators. Both were goodly + persons, and both had noble countenances. But there was an air of manly + confidence on the brow of the Scot—a radiancy of hope, which + amounted even to cheerfulness; while, although pride and effort had + recalled much of Conrade's natural courage, there lowered still on his + brow a cloud of ominous despondence. Even his steed seemed to tread less + lightly and blithely to the trumpet-sound than the noble Arab which was + bestrode by Sir Kenneth; and the SPRUCH-SPRECHER shook his head while he + observed that, while the challenger rode around the lists in the course of + the sun—that is, from right to left—the defender made the same + circuit WIDDERSINS—that is, from left to right—which is in + most countries held ominous. + </p> + <p> + A temporary altar was erected just beneath the gallery occupied by the + Queen, and beside it stood the hermit in the dress of his order as a + Carmelite friar. Other churchmen were also present. To this altar the + challenger and defender were successively brought forward, conducted by + their respective sponsors. Dismounting before it, each knight avouched the + justice of his cause by a solemn oath on the Evangelists, and prayed that + his success might be according to the truth or falsehood of what he then + swore. They also made oath that they came to do battle in knightly guise, + and with the usual weapons, disclaiming the use of spells, charms, or + magical devices to incline victory to their side. The challenger + pronounced his vow with a firm and manly voice, and a bold and cheerful + countenance. When the ceremony was finished, the Scottish Knight looked at + the gallery, and bent his head to the earth, as if in honour of those + invisible beauties which were enclosed within; then, loaded with armour as + he was, sprung to the saddle without the use of the stirrup, and made his + courser carry him in a succession of caracoles to his station at the + eastern extremity of the lists. Conrade also presented himself before the + altar with boldness enough; but his voice as he took the oath sounded + hollow, as if drowned in his helmet. The lips with which he appealed to + Heaven to adjudge victory to the just quarrel grew white as they uttered + the impious mockery. As he turned to remount his horse, the Grand Master + approached him closer, as if to rectify something about the sitting of his + gorget, and whispered, “Coward and fool! recall thy senses, and do me this + battle bravely, else, by Heaven, shouldst thou escape him, thou escapest + not ME!” + </p> + <p> + The savage tone in which this was whispered perhaps completed the + confusion of the Marquis's nerves, for he stumbled as he made to horse; + and though he recovered his feet, sprung to the saddle with his usual + agility, and displayed his address in horsemanship as he assumed his + position opposite to the challenger's, yet the accident did not escape + those who were on the watch for omens which might predict the fate of the + day. + </p> + <p> + The priests, after a solemn prayer that God would show the rightful + quarrel, departed from the lists. The trumpets of the challenger then rung + a flourish, and a herald-at-arms proclaimed at the eastern end of the + lists—“Here stands a good knight, Sir Kenneth of Scotland, champion + for the royal King Richard of England, who accuseth Conrade, Marquis of + Montserrat, of foul treason and dishonour done to the said King.” + </p> + <p> + When the words Kenneth of Scotland announced the name and character of the + champion, hitherto scarce generally known, a loud and cheerful acclaim + burst from the followers of King Richard, and hardly, notwithstanding + repeated commands of silence, suffered the reply of the defendant to be + heard. He, of course, avouched his innocence, and offered his body for + battle. The esquires of the combatants now approached, and delivered to + each his shield and lance, assisting to hang the former around his neck, + that his two hands might remain free, one for the management of the + bridle, the other to direct the lance. + </p> + <p> + The shield of the Scot displayed his old bearing, the leopard, but with + the addition of a collar and broken chain, in allusion to his late + captivity. The shield of the Marquis bore, in reference to his title, a + serrated and rocky mountain. Each shook his lance aloft, as if to + ascertain the weight and toughness of the unwieldy weapon, and then laid + it in the rest. The sponsors, heralds, and squires now retired to the + barriers, and the combatants sat opposite to each other, face to face, + with couched lance and closed visor, the human form so completely + enclosed, that they looked more like statues of molten iron than beings of + flesh and blood. The silence of suspense was now general. Men breathed + thicker, and their very souls seemed seated in their eyes; while not a + sound was to be heard save the snorting and pawing of the good steeds, + who, sensible of what was about to happen, were impatient to dash into + career. They stood thus for perhaps three minutes, when, at a signal given + by the Soldan, a hundred instruments rent the air with their brazen + clamours, and each champion striking his horse with the spurs, and + slacking the rein, the horses started into full gallop, and the knights + met in mid space with a shock like a thunderbolt. The victory was not in + doubt—no, not one moment. Conrade, indeed, showed himself a + practised warrior; for he struck his antagonist knightly in the midst of + his shield, bearing his lance so straight and true that it shivered into + splinters from the steel spear-head up to the very gauntlet. The horse of + Sir Kenneth recoiled two or three yards and fell on his haunches; but the + rider easily raised him with hand and rein. But for Conrade there was no + recovery. Sir Kenneth's lance had pierced through the shield, through a + plated corselet of Milan steel, through a SECRET, or coat of linked mail, + worn beneath the corselet, had wounded him deep in the bosom, and borne + him from his saddle, leaving the truncheon of the lance fixed in his + wound. The sponsors, heralds, and Saladin himself, descending from his + throne, crowded around the wounded man; while Sir Kenneth, who had drawn + his sword ere yet he discovered his antagonist was totally helpless, now + commanded him to avow his guilt. The helmet was hastily unclosed, and the + wounded man, gazing wildly on the skies, replied, “What would you more? + God hath decided justly—I am guilty; but there are worse traitors in + the camp than I. In pity to my soul, let me have a confessor!” + </p> + <p> + He revived as he uttered these words. + </p> + <p> + “The talisman—the powerful remedy, royal brother!” said King Richard + to Saladin. + </p> + <p> + “The traitor,” answered the Soldan, “is more fit to be dragged from the + lists to the gallows by the heels, than to profit by its virtues. And some + such fate is in his look,” he added, after gazing fixedly upon the wounded + man; “for though his wound may be cured, yet Azrael's seal is on the + wretch's brow.” + </p> + <p> + “Nevertheless,” said Richard, “I pray you do for him what you may, that he + may at least have time for confession. Slay not soul and body! To him one + half hour of time may be worth more, by ten thousandfold, than the life of + the oldest patriarch.” + </p> + <p> + “My royal brother's wish shall be obeyed,” said Saladin.—“Slaves, + bear this wounded man to our tent.” + </p> + <p> + “Do not so,” said the Templar, who had hitherto stood gloomily looking on + in silence. “The royal Duke of Austria and myself will not permit this + unhappy Christian prince to be delivered over to the Saracens, that they + may try their spells upon him. We are his sponsors, and demand that he be + assigned to our care.” + </p> + <p> + “That is, you refuse the certain means offered to recover him?” said + Richard. + </p> + <p> + “Not so,” said the Grand Master, recollecting himself. “If the Soldan + useth lawful medicines, he may attend the patient in my tent.” + </p> + <p> + “Do so, I pray thee, good brother,” said Richard to Saladin, “though the + permission be ungraciously yielded.—But now to a more glorious work. + Sound, trumpets—shout, England—in honour of England's + champion!” + </p> + <p> + Drum, clarion, trumpet, and cymbal rung forth at once, and the deep and + regular shout, which for ages has been the English acclamation, sounded + amidst the shrill and irregular yells of the Arabs, like the diapason of + the organ amid the howling of a storm. There was silence at length. + </p> + <p> + “Brave Knight of the Leopard,” resumed Coeur de Lion, “thou hast shown + that the Ethiopian may change his skin, and the leopard his spots, though + clerks quote Scripture for the impossibility. Yet I have more to say to + you when I have conducted you to the presence of the ladies, the best + judges and best rewarders of deeds of chivalry.” + </p> + <p> + The Knight of the Leopard bowed assent. + </p> + <p> + “And thou, princely Saladin, wilt also attend them. I promise thee our + Queen will not think herself welcome, if she lacks the opportunity to + thank her royal host for her most princely reception.” + </p> + <p> + Saladin bent his head gracefully, but declined the invitation. + </p> + <p> + “I must attend the wounded man,” he said. “The leech leaves not his + patient more than the champion the lists, even if he be summoned to a + bower like those of Paradise. And further, royal Richard, know that the + blood of the East flows not so temperately in the presence of beauty as + that of your land. What saith the Book itself?—Her eye is as the + edge of the sword of the Prophet, who shall look upon it? He that would + not be burnt avoideth to tread on hot embers—wise men spread not the + flax before a flickering torch. He, saith the sage, who hath forfeited a + treasure, doth not wisely to turn back his head to gaze at it.” + </p> + <p> + Richard, it may be believed, respected the motives of delicacy which + flowed from manners so different from his own, and urged his request no + further. + </p> + <p> + “At noon,” said the Soldan, as he departed, “I trust ye will all accept a + collation under the black camel-skin tent of a chief of Kurdistan.” + </p> + <p> + The same invitation was circulated among the Christians, comprehending all + those of sufficient importance to be admitted to sit at a feast made for + princes. + </p> + <p> + “Hark!” said Richard, “the timbrels announce that our Queen and her + attendants are leaving their gallery—and see, the turbans sink on + the ground, as if struck down by a destroying angel. All lie prostrate, as + if the glance of an Arab's eye could sully the lustre of a lady's cheek! + Come, we will to the pavilion, and lead our conqueror thither in triumph. + How I pity that noble Soldan, who knows but of love as it is known to + those of inferior nature!” + </p> + <p> + Blondel tuned his harp to his boldest measure, to welcome the introduction + of the victor into the pavilion of Queen Berengaria. He entered, supported + on either side by his sponsors, Richard and Thomas Longsword, and knelt + gracefully down before the Queen, though more than half the homage was + silently rendered to Edith, who sat on her right hand. + </p> + <p> + “Unarm him, my mistresses,” said the King, whose delight was in the + execution of such chivalrous usages; “let Beauty honour Chivalry! Undo his + spurs, Berengaria; Queen though thou be, thou owest him what marks of + favour thou canst give.—Unlace his helmet, Edith;—by this hand + thou shalt, wert thou the proudest Plantagenet of the line, and he the + poorest knight on earth!” + </p> + <p> + Both ladies obeyed the royal commands—Berengaria with bustling + assiduity, as anxious to gratify her husband's humour, and Edith blushing + and growing pale alternately, as, slowly and awkwardly, she undid, with + Longsword's assistance, the fastenings which secured the helmet to the + gorget. + </p> + <p> + “And what expect you from beneath this iron shell?” said Richard, as the + removal of the casque gave to view the noble countenance of Sir Kenneth, + his face glowing with recent exertion, and not less so with present + emotion. “What think ye of him, gallants and beauties?” said Richard. + “Doth he resemble an Ethiopian slave, or doth he present the face of an + obscure and nameless adventurer? No, by my good sword! Here terminate his + various disguises. He hath knelt down before you unknown, save by his + worth; he arises equally distinguished by birth and by fortune. The + adventurous knight, Kenneth, arises David, Earl of Huntingdon, Prince + Royal of Scotland!” + </p> + <p> + There was a general exclamation of surprise, and Edith dropped from her + hand the helmet which she had just received. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my masters,” said the King, “it is even so. Ye know how Scotland + deceived us when she proposed to send this valiant Earl, with a bold + company of her best and noblest, to aid our arms in this conquest of + Palestine, but failed to comply with her engagements. This noble youth, + under whom the Scottish Crusaders were to have been arrayed, thought foul + scorn that his arm should be withheld from the holy warfare, and joined us + at Sicily with a small train of devoted and faithful attendants, which was + augmented by many of his countrymen to whom the rank of their leader was + unknown. The confidants of the Royal Prince had all, save one old + follower, fallen by death, when his secret, but too well kept, had nearly + occasioned my cutting off, in a Scottish adventurer, one of the noblest + hopes of Europe.—Why did you not mention your rank, noble + Huntingdon, when endangered by my hasty and passionate sentence? Was it + that you thought Richard capable of abusing the advantage I possessed over + the heir of a King whom I have so often found hostile?” + </p> + <p> + “I did you not that injustice, royal Richard,” answered the Earl of + Huntingdon; “but my pride brooked not that I should avow myself Prince of + Scotland in order to save my life, endangered for default of loyalty. And, + moreover, I had made my vow to preserve my rank unknown till the Crusade + should be accomplished; nor did I mention it save IN ARTICULO MORTIS, and + under the seal of confession, to yonder reverend hermit.” + </p> + <p> + “It was the knowledge of that secret, then, which made the good man so + urgent with me to recall my severe sentence?” said Richard. “Well did he + say that, had this good knight fallen by my mandate, I should have wished + the deed undone though it had cost me a limb. A limb! I should have wished + it undone had it cost me my life—-since the world would have said + that Richard had abused the condition in which the heir of Scotland had + placed himself by his confidence in his generosity.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet, may we know of your Grace by what strange and happy chance this + riddle was at length read?” said the Queen Berengaria. + </p> + <p> + “Letters were brought to us from England,” said the King, “in which we + learned, among other unpleasant news, that the King of Scotland had seized + upon three of our nobles, when on a pilgrimage to Saint Ninian, and + alleged, as a cause, that his heir, being supposed to be fighting in the + ranks of the Teutonic Knights against the heathen of Borussia, was, in + fact, in our camp, and in our power; and, therefore, William proposed to + hold these nobles as hostages for his safety. This gave me the first light + on the real rank of the Knight of the Leopard; and my suspicions were + confirmed by De Vaux, who, on his return from Ascalon, brought back with + him the Earl of Huntingdon's sole attendant, a thick-skulled slave, who + had gone thirty miles to unfold to De Vaux a secret he should have told to + me.” + </p> + <p> + “Old Strauchan must be excused,” said the Lord of Gilsland. “He knew from + experience that my heart is somewhat softer than if I wrote myself + Plantagenet.” + </p> + <p> + “Thy heart soft? thou commodity of old iron and Cumberland flint, that + thou art!” exclaimed the King.—“It is we Plantagenets who boast soft + and feeling hearts. Edith,” turning to his cousin with an expression which + called the blood into her cheek, “give me thy hand, my fair cousin, and, + Prince of Scotland, thine.” + </p> + <p> + “Forbear, my lord,” said Edith, hanging back, and endeavouring to hide her + confusion under an attempt to rally her royal kinsman's credulity. + “Remember you not that my hand was to be the signal of converting to the + Christian faith the Saracen and Arab, Saladin and all his turbaned host?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, but the wind of prophecy hath chopped about, and sits now in another + corner,” replied Richard. + </p> + <p> + “Mock not, lest your bonds be made strong,” said the hermit stepping + forward. “The heavenly host write nothing but truth in their brilliant + records. It is man's eyes which are too weak to read their characters + aright. Know, that when Saladin and Kenneth of Scotland slept in my + grotto, I read in the stars that there rested under my roof a prince, the + natural foe of Richard, with whom the fate of Edith Plantagenet was to be + united. Could I doubt that this must be the Soldan, whose rank was well + known to me, as he often visited my cell to converse on the revolutions of + the heavenly bodies? Again, the lights of the firmament proclaimed that + this prince, the husband of Edith Plantagenet, should be a Christian; and + I—weak and wild interpreter!—argued thence the conversion of + the noble Saladin, whose good qualities seemed often to incline him + towards the better faith. The sense of my weakness hath humbled me to the + dust; but in the dust I have found comfort! I have not read aright the + fate of others—who can assure me but that I may have miscalculated + mine own? God will not have us break into His council-house, or spy out + His hidden mysteries. We must wait His time with watching and prayer—with + fear and with hope. I came hither the stern seer—the proud prophet—skilled, + as I thought, to instruct princes, and gifted even with supernatural + powers, but burdened with a weight which I deemed no shoulders but mine + could have borne. But my bands have been broken! I go hence humble in mine + ignorance, penitent—and not hopeless.” + </p> + <p> + With these words he withdrew from the assembly; and it is recorded that + from that period his frenzy fits seldom occurred, and his penances were of + a milder character, and accompanied with better hopes of the future. So + much is there of self-opinion, even in insanity, that the conviction of + his having entertained and expressed an unfounded prediction with so much + vehemence seemed to operate like loss of blood on the human frame, to + modify and lower the fever of the brain. + </p> + <p> + It is needless to follow into further particulars the conferences at the + royal tent, or to inquire whether David, Earl of Huntingdon, was as mute + in the presence of Edith Plantagenet as when he was bound to act under the + character of an obscure and nameless adventurer. It may be well believed + that he there expressed with suitable earnestness the passion to which he + had so often before found it difficult to give words. + </p> + <p> + The hour of noon now approached, and Saladin waited to receive the Princes + of Christendom in a tent, which, but for its large size, differed little + from that of the ordinary shelter of the common Kurdman, or Arab; yet + beneath its ample and sable covering was prepared a banquet after the most + gorgeous fashion of the East, extended upon carpets of the richest stuffs, + with cushions laid for the guests. But we cannot stop to describe the + cloth of gold and silver—the superb embroidery in arabesque—the + shawls of Kashmere and the muslins of India, which were here unfolded in + all their splendour; far less to tell the different sweetmeats, ragouts + edged with rice coloured in various manners, with all the other niceties + of Eastern cookery. Lambs roasted whole, and game and poultry dressed in + pilaus, were piled in vessels of gold, and silver, and porcelain, and + intermixed with large mazers of sherbet, cooled in snow and ice from the + caverns of Mount Lebanon. A magnificent pile of cushions at the head of + the banquet seemed prepared for the master of the feast, and such + dignitaries as he might call to share that place of distinction; while + from the roof of the tent in all quarters, but over this seat of eminence + in particular, waved many a banner and pennon, the trophies of battles won + and kingdoms overthrown. But amongst and above them all, a long lance + displayed a shroud, the banner of Death, with this impressive inscription—“SALADIN, + KING OF KINGS—SALADIN, VICTOR OF VICTORS—SALADIN MUST DIE.” + Amid these preparations, the slaves who had arranged the refreshments + stood with drooped heads and folded arms, mute and motionless as + monumental statuary, or as automata, which waited the touch of the artist + to put them in motion. + </p> + <p> + Expecting the approach of his princely guests, the Soldan, imbued, as most + were, with the superstitions of his time, paused over a horoscope and + corresponding scroll, which had been sent to him by the hermit of Engaddi + when he departed from the camp. + </p> + <p> + “Strange and mysterious science,” he muttered to himself, “which, + pretending to draw the curtain of futurity, misleads those whom it seems + to guide, and darkens the scene which it pretends to illuminate! Who would + not have said that I was that enemy most dangerous to Richard, whose + enmity was to be ended by marriage with his kinswoman? Yet it now appears + that a union betwixt this gallant Earl and the lady will bring about + friendship betwixt Richard and Scotland, an enemy more dangerous than I, + as a wildcat in a chamber is more to be dreaded than a lion in a distant + desert. But then,” he continued to mutter to himself, “the combination + intimates that this husband was to be Christian.—Christian!” he + repeated, after a pause. “That gave the insane fanatic star-gazer hopes + that I might renounce my faith! But me, the faithful follower of our + Prophet—me it should have undeceived. Lie there, mysterious scroll,” + he added, thrusting it under the pile of cushions; “strange are thy + bodements and fatal, since, even when true in themselves, they work upon + those who attempt to decipher their meaning all the effects of falsehood.—How + now! what means this intrusion?” + </p> + <p> + He spoke to the dwarf Nectabanus, who rushed into the tent fearfully + agitated, with each strange and disproportioned feature wrenched by horror + into still more extravagant ugliness—his mouth open, his eyes + staring, his hands, with their shrivelled and deformed fingers, wildly + expanded. + </p> + <p> + “What now?” said the Soldan sternly. + </p> + <p> + “ACCIPE HOC!” groaned out the dwarf. + </p> + <p> + “Ha! sayest thou?” answered Saladin. + </p> + <p> + “ACCIPE HOC!” replied the panic-struck creature, unconscious, perhaps, + that he repeated the same words as before. + </p> + <p> + “Hence, I am in no vein for foolery,” said the Emperor. + </p> + <p> + “Nor am I further fool,” said the dwarf, “than to make my folly help out + my wits to earn my bread, poor, helpless wretch! Hear, hear me, great + Soldan!” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, if thou hast actual wrong to complain of,” said Saladin, “fool or + wise, thou art entitled to the ear of a King. Retire hither with me;” and + he led him into the inner tent. + </p> + <p> + Whatever their conference related to, it was soon broken off by the + fanfare of the trumpets announcing the arrival of the various Christian + princes, whom Saladin welcomed to his tent with a royal courtesy well + becoming their rank and his own; but chiefly he saluted the young Earl of + Huntingdon, and generously congratulated him upon prospects which seemed + to have interfered with and overclouded those which he had himself + entertained. + </p> + <p> + “But think not,” said the Soldan, “thou noble youth, that the Prince of + Scotland is more welcome to Saladin than was Kenneth to the solitary + Ilderim when they met in the desert, or the distressed Ethiop to the Hakim + Adonbec. A brave and generous disposition like thine hath a value + independent of condition and birth, as the cool draught, which I here + proffer thee, is as delicious from an earthen vessel as from a goblet of + gold.” + </p> + <p> + The Earl of Huntingdon made a suitable reply, gratefully acknowledging the + various important services he had received from the generous Soldan; but + when he had pledged Saladin in the bowl of sherbet which the Soldan had + proffered to him, he could not help remarking with a smile, “The brave + cavalier Ilderim knew not of the formation of ice, but the munificent + Soldan cools his sherbet with snow.” + </p> + <p> + “Wouldst thou have an Arab or a Kurdman as wise as a Hakim?” said the + Soldan. “He who does on a disguise must make the sentiments of his heart + and the learning of his head accord with the dress which he assumes. I + desired to see how a brave and single-hearted cavalier of Frangistan would + conduct himself in debate with such a chief as I then seemed; and I + questioned the truth of a well-known fact, to know by what arguments thou + wouldst support thy assertion.” + </p> + <p> + While they were speaking, the Archduke of Austria, who stood a little + apart, was struck with the mention of iced sherbet, and took with pleasure + and some bluntness the deep goblet, as the Earl of Huntingdon was about to + replace it. + </p> + <p> + “Most delicious!” he exclaimed, after a deep draught, which the heat of + the weather, and the feverishness following the debauch of the preceding + day, had rendered doubly acceptable. He sighed as he handed the cup to the + Grand Master of the Templars. Saladin made a sign to the dwarf, who + advanced and pronounced, with a harsh voice, the words, ACCIPE HOC! The + Templar started, like a steed who sees a lion under a bush beside the + pathway; yet instantly recovered, and to hide, perhaps, his confusion, + raised the goblet to his lips. But those lips never touched that goblet's + rim. The sabre of Saladin left its sheath as lightning leaves the cloud. + It was waved in the air, and the head of the Grand Master rolled to the + extremity of the tent, while the trunk remained for a second standing, + with the goblet still clenched in its grasp, then fell, the liquor + mingling with the blood that spurted from the veins. + </p> + <p> + There was a general exclamation of treason, and Austria, nearest to whom + Saladin stood with the bloody sabre in his hand, started back as if + apprehensive that his turn was to come next. Richard and others laid hand + on their swords. + </p> + <p> + “Fear nothing, noble Austria,” said Saladin, as composedly as if nothing + had happened,—“nor you, royal England, be wroth at what you have + seen. Not for his manifold treasons—not for the attempt which, as + may be vouched by his own squire, he instigated against King Richard's + life—not that he pursued the Prince of Scotland and myself in the + desert, reducing us to save our lives by the speed of our horses—not + that he had stirred up the Maronites to attack us upon this very occasion, + had I not brought up unexpectedly so many Arabs as rendered the scheme + abortive—not for any or all of these crimes does he now lie there, + although each were deserving such a doom—but because, scarce half an + hour ere he polluted our presence, as the simoom empoisons the atmosphere, + he poniarded his comrade and accomplice, Conrade of Montserrat, lest he + should confess the infamous plots in which they had both been engaged.” + </p> + <p> + “How! Conrade murdered?—And by the Grand Master, his sponsor and + most intimate friend!” exclaimed Richard. “Noble Soldan, I would not doubt + thee; yet this must be proved, otherwise—” + </p> + <p> + “There stands the evidence,” said Saladin, pointing to the terrified + dwarf. “Allah, who sends the fire-fly to illuminate the night season, can + discover secret crimes by the most contemptible means.” + </p> + <p> + The Soldan proceeded to tell the dwarf's story, which amounted to this. In + his foolish curiosity, or, as he partly confessed, with some thoughts of + pilfering, Nectabanus had strayed into the tent of Conrade, which had been + deserted by his attendants, some of whom had left the encampment to carry + the news of his defeat to his brother, and others were availing themselves + of the means which Saladin had supplied for revelling. The wounded man + slept under the influence of Saladin's wonderful talisman, so that the + dwarf had opportunity to pry about at pleasure until he was frightened + into concealment by the sound of a heavy step. He skulked behind a + curtain, yet could see the motions, and hear the words, of the Grand + Master, who entered, and carefully secured the covering of the pavilion + behind him. His victim started from sleep, and it would appear that he + instantly suspected the purpose of his old associate, for it was in a tone + of alarm that he demanded wherefore he disturbed him. + </p> + <p> + “I come to confess and to absolve thee,” answered the Grand Master. + </p> + <p> + Of their further speech the terrified dwarf remembered little, save that + Conrade implored the Grand Master not to break a wounded reed, and that + the Templar struck him to the heart with a Turkish dagger, with the words + ACCIPE HOC!—words which long afterwards haunted the terrified + imagination of the concealed witness. + </p> + <p> + “I verified the tale,” said Saladin, “by causing the body to be examined; + and I made this unhappy being, whom Allah hath made the discoverer of the + crime, repeat in your own presence the words which the murderer spoke; and + you yourselves saw the effect which they produced upon his conscience!” + </p> + <p> + The Soldan paused, and the King of England broke silence. + </p> + <p> + “If this be true, as I doubt not, we have witnessed a great act of + justice, though it bore a different aspect. But wherefore in this + presence? wherefore with thine own hand?” + </p> + <p> + “I had designed otherwise,” said Saladin. “But had I not hastened his + doom, it had been altogether averted, since, if I had permitted him to + taste of my cup, as he was about to do, how could I, without incurring the + brand of inhospitality, have done him to death as he deserved? Had he + murdered my father, and afterwards partaken of my food and my bowl, not a + hair of his head could have been injured by me. But enough of him—let + his carcass and his memory be removed from amongst us.” + </p> + <p> + The body was carried away, and the marks of the slaughter obliterated or + concealed with such ready dexterity, as showed that the case was not + altogether so uncommon as to paralyze the assistants and officers of + Saladin's household. + </p> + <p> + But the Christian princes felt that the scene which they had beheld + weighed heavily on their spirits, and although, at the courteous + invitation of the Soldan, they assumed their seats at the banquet, yet it + was with the silence of doubt and amazement. The spirits of Richard alone + surmounted all cause for suspicion or embarrassment. Yet he too seemed to + ruminate on some proposition, as if he were desirous of making it in the + most insinuating and acceptable manner which was possible. At length he + drank off a large bowl of wine, and addressing the Soldan, desired to know + whether it was not true that he had honoured the Earl of Huntingdon with a + personal encounter. + </p> + <p> + Saladin answered with a smile that he had proved his horse and his weapons + with the heir of Scotland, as cavaliers are wont to do with each other + when they meet in the desert; and modestly added that, though the combat + was not entirely decisive, he had not on his part much reason to pride + himself on the event. The Scot, on the other hand, disclaimed the + attributed superiority, and wished to assign it to the Soldan. + </p> + <p> + “Enough of honour thou hast had in the encounter,” said Richard, “and I + envy thee more for that than for the smiles of Edith Plantagenet, though + one of them might reward a bloody day's work.—But what say you, + noble princes? Is it fitting that such a royal ring of chivalry should + break up without something being done for future times to speak of? What + is the overthrow and death of a traitor to such a fair garland of honour + as is here assembled, and which ought not to part without witnessing + something more worthy of their regard?—How say you, princely Soldan? + What if we two should now, and before this fair company, decide the + long-contended question for this land of Palestine, and end at once these + tedious wars? Yonder are the lists ready, nor can Paynimrie ever hope a + better champion than thou. I, unless worthier offers, will lay down my + gauntlet in behalf of Christendom, and in all love and honour we will do + mortal battle for the possession of Jerusalem.” + </p> + <p> + There was a deep pause for the Soldan's answer. His cheek and brow + coloured highly, and it was the opinion of many present that he hesitated + whether he should accept the challenge. At length he said, “Fighting for + the Holy City against those whom we regard as idolaters and worshippers of + stocks and stones and graven images, I might confide that Allah would + strengthen my arm; or if I fell beneath the sword of the Melech Ric, I + could not pass to Paradise by a more glorious death. But Allah has already + given Jerusalem to the true believers, and it were a tempting the God of + the Prophet to peril, upon my own personal strength and skill, that which + I hold securely by the superiority of my forces.” + </p> + <p> + “If not for Jerusalem, then,” said Richard, in the tone of one who would + entreat a favour of an intimate friend, “yet, for the love of honour, let + us run at least three courses with grinded lances?” + </p> + <p> + “Even this,” said Saladin, half smiling at Coeur de Lion's affectionate + earnestness for the combat—“even this I may not lawfully do. The + master places the shepherd over the flock not for the shepherd's own sake, + but for the sake of the sheep. Had I a son to hold the sceptre when I + fell, I might have had the liberty, as I have the will, to brave this bold + encounter; but your own Scripture saith that when the herdsman is smitten, + the sheep are scattered.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou hast had all the fortune,” said Richard, turning to the Earl of + Huntingdon with a sigh. “I would have given the best year in my life for + that one half hour beside the Diamond of the Desert!” + </p> + <p> + The chivalrous extravagance of Richard awakened the spirits of the + assembly, and when at length they arose to depart Saladin advanced and + took Coeur de Lion by the hand. + </p> + <p> + “Noble King of England,” he said, “we now part, never to meet again. That + your league is dissolved, no more to be reunited, and that your native + forces are far too few to enable you to prosecute your enterprise, is as + well known to me as to yourself. I may not yield you up that Jerusalem + which you so much desire to hold—it is to us, as to you, a Holy + City. But whatever other terms Richard demands of Saladin shall be as + willingly yielded as yonder fountain yields its waters. Ay and the same + should be as frankly afforded by Saladin if Richard stood in the desert + with but two archers in his train!” + </p> + <p> + The next day saw Richard's return to his own camp, and in a short space + afterwards the young Earl of Huntingdon was espoused by Edith Plantagenet. + The Soldan sent, as a nuptial present on this occasion, the celebrated + TALISMAN. But though many cures were wrought by means of it in Europe, + none equalled in success and celebrity those which the Soldan achieved. It + is still in existence, having been bequeathed by the Earl of Huntingdon to + a brave knight of Scotland, Sir Simon of the Lee, in whose ancient and + highly honoured family it is still preserved; and although charmed stones + have been dismissed from the modern Pharmacopoeia, its virtues are still + applied to for stopping blood, and in cases of canine madness. + </p> + <p> + Our Story closes here, as the terms on which Richard relinquished his + conquests are to be found in every history of the period. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Talisman, by Sir Walter Scott + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE TALISMAN *** + +***** This file should be named 1377-h.htm or 1377-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/1/3/7/1377/ + +Produced by An Anonomous Volunteer, and David Widger + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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