"
"A moment, a moment, good Nectabanus," said Sir Kenneth; "disturb
not my thoughts.--What if the Saracens were just now to attack
our lines? Should I stay here like a sworn vassal of England,
watching that her king's pride suffered no humiliation; or should
I speed to the breach, and fight for the Cross? To the breach,
assuredly; and next to the cause of God come the commands of my
liege lady. And yet, Coeur de Lion's behest--my own promise!
Nectabanus, I conjure thee once more to say, are you to conduct
me far from hence?"
"But to yonder pavilion; and, since you must needs know," replied
Nectabanus, "the moon is glimmering on the gilded ball which
crowns its roof, and which is worth a king's ransom."
"I can return in an instant," said the knight, shutting his eyes
desperately to all further consequences, "I can hear from thence
the bay of my dog if any one approaches the standard. I will
throw myself at my lady's feet, and pray her leave to return to
conclude my watch.--Here, Roswal" (calling his hound, and
throwing down his mantle by the side of the standard-spear),
"watch thou here, and let no one approach.
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