"
"Something I have learned, and something I have done, noble
King," answered the celebrated Blondel, with a retiring modesty
which all Richard's enthusiastic admiration of his skill had been
unable to banish.
"We will hear thee, man--we will hear thee instantly," said the
King. Then, touching Blondel's shoulder kindly, he added, "That
is, if thou art not fatigued with thy journey; for I would sooner
ride my best horse to death than injure a note of thy voice."
"My voice is, as ever, at the service of my royal patron," said
Blondel; "but your Majesty," he added, looking at some papers on
the table, "seems more importantly engaged, and the hour waxes
late."
"Not a whit, man, not a whit, my dearest Blondel. I did but
sketch an array of battle against the Saracens, a thing of a
moment, almost as soon done as the routing of them."
"Methinks, however," said Thomas de Vaux, "it were not unfit to
inquire what soldiers your Grace hath to array. I bring reports
on that subject from Ascalon."
"Thou art a mule, Thomas," said the King--"a very mule for
dullness and obstinacy! Come, nobles--a hall--a hall--range ye
around him! Give Blondel the tabouret.
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