"
"And Austria," said Richard, "upon whom rest such strong
presumptions that he was the author of the deed?"
"To prevent discord in the host," replied the hermit, "Austria
will clear himself of the suspicion by submitting to whatsoever
ordeal the Patriarch of Jerusalem shall impose."
"Will he clear himself by the trial by combat?" said King
Richard.
"His oath prohibits it," said the hermit; "and, moreover, the
Council of the Princes--"
"Will neither authorize battle against the Saracens," interrupted
Richard, "nor against any one else. But it is enough, father--
thou hast shown me the folly of proceeding as I designed in this
matter. You shall sooner light your torch in a puddle of rain
than bring a spark out of a cold-blooded coward. There is no
honour to be gained on Austria, and so let him pass. I will have
him perjure himself, however; I will insist on the ordeal. How I
shall laugh to hear his clumsy fingers hiss, as he grasps the
red-hot globe of iron! Ay, or his huge mouth riven, and his
gullet swelling to suffocation, as he endeavours to swallow the
consecrated bread!"
"Peace, Richard," said the hermit--"oh, peace, for shame, if not
for charity! Who shall praise or honour princes who insult and
calumniate each other? Alas! that a creature so noble as thou
art--so accomplished in princely thoughts and princely daring--so
fitted to honour Christendom by thy actions, and, in thy calmer
mood, to rule her by thy wisdom, should yet have the brute and
wild fury of the lion mingled with the dignity and courage of
that king of the forest!"
He remained an instant musing with his eyes fixed on the ground,
and then proceeded--"But Heaven, that knows our imperfect nature,
accepts of our imperfect obedience, and hath delayed, though not
averted, the bloody end of thy daring life.
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