Squire
Loring awaits you in arms, gentlemen, yonder upon the crown of the
old bridge. Thus says he: `For the great desire that I, a most
humble and unworthy Squire, entertain, that I may come to the
knowledge of the noble gentlemen who ride with my royal master, I
now wait on the Bridge of the Way in the hope that some of them
may condescend to do some small deed of arms upon me, or that I
may deliver them from any vow which they may have taken. This I
say out of no esteem for myself, but solely that I may witness the
noble bearing of these famous cavaliers and admire their skill in
the handling of arms. Therefore, with the help of Saint George, I
will hold the bridge with sharpened lances against any or all who
may deign to present themselves while daylight lasts."
"What say you to this, gentlemen?" asked the King, looking round
with laughing eyes.
"Truly it is issued in very good form," said the Prince. "Neither
Claricieux nor Red Dragon nor any herald that ever wore tabard
could better it. Did he draw it of his own hand?"
"He hath a grim old grandmother who is one of the ancient breed,"
said Chandos. "I doubt not that the Dame Ermyntrude hath drawn a
challenge or two before now. But hark ye, sire, I would have a
word in your ear--and yours too, most noble Prince."
Leading them aside, Chandos whispered some explanations, which
ended by them all three bursting into a shout of laughter.
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