I am here neither to exculpate myself nor to blame others." "And where did you do him such a grace ?" "In the tent of her Majesty the Queen." "Of our royal consort!" said Richard.

"Now by Heaven, by Saint George of England, and every other saint that treads its crystal floor, this is too audacious! I have noticed and overlooked this warrior's insolent admiration of one so far above him, and I grudged him not that one of my blood should shed from her high-born sphere such influence as the sun bestows on the world beneath.

But, heaven and earth! that you should have admitted him to an audience by night, in the very tent of our royal consort!--and dare to offer this as an excuse for his disobedience and desertion! By my father's soul, Edith, thou shalt rue this thy life long in a monastery!" "My liege," said Edith, "your greatness licenses tyranny.

My honour, Lord King, is as little touched as yours, and my Lady the Queen can prove it if she think fit.

But I have already said I am not here to excuse myself or inculpate others.