"Madam," she said to the Queen, "lose not another word in
speaking, but save life--if, indeed," she added, her voice
choking as she said it, "life may yet be saved."
"It may, it may," answered the Lady Calista. "I have just heard
that he has been brought before the King. It is not yet over
--but," she added, bursting into a vehement flood of weeping, in
which personal apprehensions had some share, "it will soon,
unless some course be taken."
"I will vow a golden candlestick to the Holy Sepulchre, a shrine
of silver to our Lady of Engaddi, a pall, worth one hundred
byzants, to Saint Thomas of Orthez," said the Queen in extremity.
"Up, up, madam!" said Edith; "call on the saints if you list,
but be your own best saint."
"Indeed, madam," said the terrified attendant, "the Lady Edith
speaks truth. Up, madam, and let us to King Richard's tent and
beg the poor gentleman's life."
"I will go--I will go instantly," said the Queen, rising and
trembling excessively; while her women, in as great confusion as
herself, were unable to render her those duties which were
indispensable to her levee.
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