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.
"It may be so," whispered Jonas Schwanker, "but we shall be
whipped if you speak so loud."
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.
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.
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