"
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.
"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."
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?"
"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.
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