"You rate our power too low, fair cousin, when you
speak of a life being lost for a frolic of ours. O Lady Edith,
others have influence on the iron breasts of warriors as well as
you--the heart even of a lion is made of flesh, not of stone;
and, believe me, I have interest enough with Richard to save this
knight, in whose fate Lady Edith is so deeply concerned, from the
penalty of disobeying his royal commands."
"For the love of the blessed Cross, most royal lady," said Edith
--and Sir Kenneth, with feelings which it were hard to unravel,
heard her prostrate herself at the Queen's feet--"for the love of
our blessed Lady, and of every holy saint in the calendar, beware
what you do! You know not King Richard--you have been but shortly
wedded to him. Your breath might as well combat the west wind
when it is wildest, as your words persuade my royal kinsman to
pardon a military offence. Oh, for God's sake, dismiss this
gentleman, if indeed you have lured him hither! I could almost be
content to rest with the shame of having invited him, did I know
that he was returned again where his duty calls him!"
"Arise, cousin, arise," said Queen Berengaria, "and be assured
all will be better than you think.
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