He had now no longer reason to
fear that he should die as a fool dieth.
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.
Pages:
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305