Did I accept thy offer, my defeat would but stain thy knighthood." Montreal, whose passion had beguiled him for the moment, sullenly acquiesced in this reasoning.

Adrian hastened to soothe his antagonist.
"For the rest," said he, "I cannot pretend to the prize.

Your lance lost me my stirrups--mine left you unshaken.

You say right; the defeat, if any, was that of your steed." "We may meet again when I am more equally horsed," said Montreal, still chafing.
"Now, our Lady forbid!" exclaimed Adrian, with so devout an earnestness that the bystanders could not refrain from laughing; and even Montreal grimly and half-reluctantly, joined in the merriment.

The courtesy of his foe, however, conciliated and touched the more frank and soldierly qualities of his nature, and composing himself, he replied:-- "Signor di Castello, I rest your debtor for a courtesy that I have but little imitated.