This was his lady's favourite colour, and more than once had he himself, assuming it for that of his own liveries, caused the carnation to triumph over all other hues in the lists and in the battle.
Sir Kenneth was struck nearly mute by seeing such a token in such hands.
"In the name of all that is sacred, from whom didst thou receive this witness ?" said the knight.

"Bring, if thou canst, thy wavering understanding to a right settlement for a minute or two, and tell me the person by whom thou art sent, and the real purpose of thy message, and take heed what thou sayest, for this is no subject for buffoonery." "Fond and foolish Knight," said the dwarf, "wouldst thou know more of this matter than that thou art honoured with commands from a princess, delivered to thee by a king?
We list not to parley with thee further than to command thee, in the name and by the power of that ring, to follow us to her who is the owner of the ring.

Every minute that thou tarriest is a crime against thy allegiance." "Good Nectabanus, bethink thyself," said the knight.

"Can my lady know where and upon what duty I am this night engaged?
Is she aware that my life--pshaw, why should I speak of life--but that my honour depends on my guarding this banner till daybreak; and can it be her wish that I should leave it even to pay homage to her?
It is impossible--the princess is pleased to be merry with her servant in sending him such a message; and I must think so the rather that she hath chosen such a messenger." "Oh, keep your belief," said Nectabanus, turning round as if to leave the platform; "it is little to me whether you be traitor or true man to this royal lady--so fare thee well." "Stay, stay--I entreat you stay," said Sir Kenneth.

"Answer me but one question: is the lady who sent thee near to this place ?" "What signifies it ?" said the dwarf.