"
"GUERDON and DEVOIR!" said the King, interrupting himself as he
read, and speaking to Neville in the English tongue with some
emphasis on the words. "These Eastern people will profit by the
Crusaders--they are acquiring the language of chivalry! And see,
Neville, how discomposed that fellow looks! were it not for his
colour he would blush. I should not think it strange if he
understood what I say--they are perilous linguists."
"The poor slave cannot endure your Grace's eye," said Neville;
"it is nothing more."
"Well, but," continued the King, striking the paper with his
finger as he proceeded, "this bold scroll proceeds to say that
our trusty mute is charged with a message from Saladin to the
Lady Edith Plantagenet, and craves means and opportunity to
deliver it. What thinkest thou of a request so modest--ha,
Neville?"
"I cannot say," said Neville, "how such freedom may relish with
your Grace; but the lease of the messenger's neck would be a
short one, who should carry such a request to the Soldan on the
part of your Majesty.
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