But I would give a bushel of rubies ere ring or name of mine had been used to bring a brave man into a fault, and perhaps to disgrace and punishment." "Oh, it is for the safety of our true knight that we fear!" said the Queen.

"You rate our power too low, fair cousin, when you speak of a life being lost for a frolic of ours.

O Lady Edith, others have influence on the iron breasts of warriors as well as you--the heart even of a lion is made of flesh, not of stone; and, believe me, I have interest enough with Richard to save this knight, in whose fate Lady Edith is so deeply concerned, from the penalty of disobeying his royal commands." "For the love of the blessed Cross, most royal lady," said Edith--and Sir Kenneth, with feelings which it were hard to unravel, heard her prostrate herself at the Queen's feet--"for the love of our blessed Lady, and of every holy saint in the calendar, beware what you do! You know not King Richard--you have been but shortly wedded to him.

Your breath might as well combat the west wind when it is wildest, as your words persuade my royal kinsman to pardon a military offence.

Oh, for God's sake, dismiss this gentleman, if indeed you have lured him hither! I could almost be content to rest with the shame of having invited him, did I know that he was returned again where his duty calls him!" "Arise, cousin, arise," said Queen Berengaria, "and be assured all will be better than you think.