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.
Sir Kenneth was struck nearly mute by seeing such a token in such
hands.
"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."
"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.
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