It was the only striking feature in his countenance; but when once noticed, it ever made a strong impression on the spectator.

About his neck there hung in a scarf of sky-blue silk a WREST as it was called--that is, the key with which a harp is tuned, and which was of solid gold.
This personage would have kneeled reverently to Richard, but the Monarch raised him in joyful haste, pressed him to his bosom warmly, and kissed him on either side of the face.
"Blondel de Nesle!" he exclaimed joyfully--"welcome from Cyprus, my king of minstrels!--welcome to the King of England, who rates not his own dignity more highly than he does thine.

I have been sick, man, and, by my soul, I believe it was for lack of thee; for, were I half way to the gate of heaven, methinks thy strains could call me back.

And what news, my gentle master, from the land of the lyre?
Anything fresh from the TROUVEURS of Provence?
Anything from the minstrels of merry Normandy?
Above all, hast thou thyself been busy?
But I need not ask thee--thou canst not be idle if thou wouldst; thy noble qualities are like a fire burning within, and compel thee to pour thyself out in music and song." "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.