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.
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