But reverence Him whose commands
I speak--reverence Him whose sepulchre you have vowed to rescue
--revere the oath of concord which you have sworn, and break not
the silver cord of union and fidelity with which you have bound
yourself to your princely confederates."
"Good father," said the King, "you of the church seem to me to
presume somewhat, if a layman may say so much, upon the dignity
of your holy character. Without challenging your right to take
charge of our conscience, methinks you might leave us the charge
of our own honour."
"Presume!" repeated the hermit. "Is it for me to presume, royal
Richard, who am but the bell obeying the hand of the sexton--but
the senseless and worthless trumpet carrying the command of him
who sounds it? See, on my knees I throw myself before thee,
imploring thee to have mercy on Christendom, on England, and on
thyself!"
"Rise, rise," said Richard, compelling him to stand up; "it
beseems not that knees which are so frequently bended to the
Deity should press the ground in honour of man.
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